A LOVING couple celebrated their diamond wedding today. (Friday, October 9)

Joan and Ray Catterson are a couple with family at heart who have always been happy to share everything life throws at them.

Mrs Catterson, nee Peat, is originally from Kelloe and was working as a domestic in a farmhouse near Sedgefield when she met her future husband at the village’s Dun Cow pub.

Mr Catterson, who worked as a farm labourer at the time, said: “I think she asked me for a cigarette one night and it went from there.”

They went on to marry at Durham Register Office and lived in Sedgefield.

Mr Catterson worked on the roads for Durham County Council for 18 years where roles included gritting the motorway and later at the Filmco factory.

They have a son, Ian, and daughter, Christine Stoddart, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. They have enjoyed many holidays together but as Mrs Catterson never wanted to fly a favourite destination became Blackpool.

Mr Catterson said: “We’ve always shared everything and been a good couple, we’ve never had any arguments.”

For around three years Mrs Catterson, 86, has lived at Acorn Grange Care Home, in West Cornforth, where Mr Catterson, 88, visits her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with their children.

Home manager Sharon Sperring (COR) said: “They are a lovely family and a very loving couple, he always gives her a kiss on his way out.”