A CHANCE meeting at a wartime dance brought together a couple from opposite sides of the Pennines.

Carlisle airman Bob Simpson met his bride Elsie, from Billy Row, near Crook, at Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in 1945.

He was stationed at Carnaby, just outside the town, and Elsie, now 80, was working in her sister's boarding house.

After their wedding at Billy Row Green Methodist Chapel, the couple lived in Carlisle for two years, but Elsie was homesick, so they moved to County Durham in 1948.

Bob, now 85, was a bricklayer, and Elsie brought up their son, Danny, and worked at Ramars clothing factory.

They lived in Billy Row until 15 years ago when they moved to a bungalow in Wheatbottom, Crook.

After celebrating their diamond anniversary yesterday at home, Mr and Mrs Simpson are being treated to a party by Danny and his wife, Christine, at their home in Bishop Auckland.

Their best man, former police sergeant Alan Maddison, is among the guests, but Bill's twin brother, Bob, is unable to travel from his home near Wakefield.