THE unremarkable world of Durham Railway Station's Platform Two was the scene for an extraordinary reunion of three brothers, together for the first time in more than 50 years.

Tears were fought back as Mike Dowling cast eyes on long-lost brothers Ralph and Ted as they got off a train from Hampshire.

There were hugs all round as the three brothers, first separated in blitz-torn Southampton during the Second World War, came together for the first time since 1947.

Mike and older brother Ralph were brought up in an orphanage during the war, while youngest brother Ted stayed at home with their mother.

But the two older brothers became separated over the next few years as they were moved between orphanages and last saw each other in 1947 when Ralph was moved to a home in London.

Afterwards, Mike went his own way and, after working in the shipyards, spent almost a decade touring the world with the Army.

Eventually, in 1968 he moved to South Africa with his wife Rita where they lived for 22 years. On their return to Britain, Mike and Rita came to live in the Durham area to be near to their daughter Jackie and her five children.

Now 63, and living with his wife in Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn, near Durham, Mike had given up hope of ever seeing brothers Ralph and Ted after more than half a century of separation.

But earlier this year, Mike's son, Michael, managed to track down his two uncles, who had got back in contact with each other and were still living in Hampshire.

It led to yesterday's reunion as Ralph, 64, Ted, 59, and his wife Valerie, travelled north for a weekend stay with Mike and Rita in Bowburn.

Fighting back the tears, Mike said: "I never thought this would happen. It's marvellous.

"We just lost touch after all the time being in Africa, but we've got a lot to discuss and catch up on."

The three brothers made up for lost time over a few pints at Mike's new local, the Oak Tree in Bowburn, and spent the weekend visiting the historic sites of Durham.