Darlington Talking Newspaper has benefited to the tune of almost £500 thanks to the town's Freemasons and a Golden Wedding couple.

Derek Baker, Master of the Steadfast Mark Lodge, and Grand Lodge Officer Peter Smailes visited the talking newspaper office last Friday to hand over a cheque for £300, the results of fundraising efforts.

Earlier in the year, Mr Barker and his wife Myra celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They decided they did not want people to give them presents, but instead asked family and friends to make cash donations and raised a total of £190 for the talking newspaper.

Carl Ottolini, chairman of the Darlington Talking Newspaper, said: "It's a very, very generous pair of donations to the talking newspaper.

"It's a very nice gesture. We're very pleased with the donations, which together amount to just under £500."