A south Durham couple have celebrated their golden wedding.

When Ron Campion and Jean Smith met during a dance at The Rink's Clarence Ballroom, in Spennymoor, it was love at first sight.

A year after meeting, the couple were married at St Andrew's Church, Spennymoor, and half a century on they say they are still as in love as they were at the beginning of their romance.

Mr Campion worked at Dean and Chapter Colliery, in Ferryhill, with an engineering team for Northumbria and Durham mines, and as foreman blacksmith at Kellhoe.

He took early retirement after being diagnosed with sugar diabetes and as a result later had to have his legs amputated.

Mrs Campion was a secretary at King Street School then later at the Smart and Brown factory.

The couple have a daughter, Diane, 47, and a 14-year-old grandson. Sadly earlier this year their other grandson, Adam, died aged 20.

Mr Campion, 72, said: "There are no secrets to a successful marriage, just love and trust."

Mrs Campion said: "Ron's positive attitude has helped me face problem times and we have always supported each other."

The couple are well known in the district as Mr Campion served on Sedgefield Borough Council for more than 20 years and has been a member of St John Ambulance for most of his life.

He was a founder member of Spennymoor and District Mobility Club and recently became a Spennymoor town councillor.

The couple shared their celebration with about 70 friends and family at the town's leisure centre on Sunday.

Spennymoor town mayor Councillor Elsie Summerson and Sedgefield borough mayor Councillor George Gray visited Mr and Mrs Campion at home to congratulate them.