A GOLDEN couple have returned to the church where they got married 50 years ago to renew their wedding vows.

Derek and Pat Jameson walked down the aisle at St Luke’s Church, in Ferryhill, on Saturday, at precisely 1pm - the exact time of their original wedding service

The Northern Echo: VOWS: Derek and Pat Jameson renewed their vows in the church where they first made them 50 years ago Picture: KATIE RICHARDSON

Derek and Pat Jameson renew their vows. They are pictured with St Luke's vicar, Rev Gary Norman Picture: KATIE RICHARDSON

The couple, who now live in Burton-on-Trent, in East Staffordshire, brought their closest family and friends to witness the service which was carried out by the vicar, Rev Gary Norman.

Mrs Jameson, who was Miss Forrest when she met Mr Jameson at the alter the first time, wore a blue lace dress and fascinator; a similar outfit to her wedding gown which was described as a “short, slim-fitting gown of royal blue chiffon velvet with matching pillow box hat” when it was first reported in The Northern Echo in 1966.

The couple, who met at Durham ice rink in December 1963, decided to renew their vows instead of splashing out on a big holiday as they thought it was more fitting to mark their 50 years together.

They were also greeted with a surprise bagpiper who performed for them following the service.

Speaking after the service, Mr Jameson, originally of Birtley, in Gateshead, said: “It was exhilarating. We are not highly religious but it was so uplifting.

“We did think about having an exotic holiday but we thought that’s nothing to do with our marriage and that this would be most pertinent thing towards the day.”

Mrs Jameson, who is originally of Ferryhill, added: “We remember our wedding as if it was yesterday.”

Mr Jameson, a retired mechanical engineer, and Mrs Jameson, a retired businesswoman, had two children and now have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

They then had a hot buffet at The Manor House, in Ferryhill where they had an ‘ice rink’ cake in honour of their first meeting.

“At our first wedding we did not have any money because we were so young. We honeymooned in Nottingham” Mrs Jameson added.

However, the couple, both 69, have planned to have a second honeymoon with friends in Canada where they will also celebrate Mr Jameson’s 70th birthday.

Giving their advice for a long and happy marriage Mrs Jameson said: “Do to your partner what you would expect to be done to you and always have respect.”

Mr Jameson said: “Have a good argument but sort it out - and drink Newcastle Brown Ale”.