A COUPLE from north Durham have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Jack and Doris Easter held a party with family and friends at Hollygarth Residential Home, in Brandon Lane, Brandon.

The couple met in Ushaw Moor Empire more than 60 years ago when Mrs Easter was sitting next to the only spare seat.

Mrs Easter, 83, who lives in Ushaw Moor, said: "The place was full and he came up and asked if he could climb over the top of the seats.

"He has said since that it was love at first sight."

The couple, who courted for three years, were married in St John's Church, Meadowfield, on August 11, 1945. They spent their honeymoon at Whitley Bay.

The couple have a daughter called Barbara, eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A former pitman and labourer, Mr Easter, 83, moved to the care home about a month ago and still sees his wife almost every day.

Mrs Easter said: "It's great that we have lasted for 60 years together because not very many do these days.

"The secret is that you both have to pull the same way and keep on loving each other."