A COUPLE who have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary say the secret to a long and happy marriage is hard work and a sense of humour.

Eva and Ramsay Hall were married in 1944 after meeting at a dance in Thorpe village Hall in Stockton.

Mrs Hall, 91 was born at Castlelevington, Yarm, the second of nine children of Joseph and Ethel Blackett and went to school in Yarm walking the six mile round trip every day.

Mr Hall, 96, of Hall Farm, Trimdon was the last of four children. His father John died when he was four months old and his mother Hilda bought farms at Butterwick, near Sedgefield.

He trained as a butcher before moving to Butterwisk East Farm where the couple started married life before moving on to farm at Kilton Hall, Brotton, near Saltburn, retiring to Hutton Rudby in 1978.

Mrs Hall was interested in golf, pottery painting and flower arranging , being an active member of the Women’s Institute for over 65 years.

Mr Hall’s interests included cricket, shooting, horse racing fold and sheep dog trialing, winning many competitions.

They had four children, Richard, John, Stuart and Janet, sadly losing Stuart at the age of 47 with cancer. They have 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr Hall has been recuperating in the Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk after a fall, the only time he has ever been in hospital.

A family gathering was held to mark the couple's Platinum Wedding. A bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs Hall by Coun Bridget Fortune on behalf of Hambleton District Council.

Daughter Janet said:”Their secret to a long and happy marriage is hard work, a family and a sense of humour.”