THREE-times Mayor and Mayoress of Sedgefield Derrick and Audrey Lofthouse, have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

The couple attended a service of blessing in St Edmund's Parish Church followed by a celebratory meal at Ministers Restaurant.

Mr and Mrs Lofthouse were joined by their three daughters and sons-in-law and eight of their nine grandchildren for the celebrations.

They were married at Holy Trinity Church, Stockton, on July 4, 1953.

The couple have played a very active part in the life of the village.

Mr Lofthouse, who was born in Stillington, ran the family business. Lofthouse Stores was established in the 19th Century and was an integral part of the village community for many years.

In 1967 he became a buyer with Hinton's Supermarkets, where he stayed until his retirement.

He was one of the first members of Sedgefield Town Council and the Mayor of Sedgefield for three consecutive terms. He also founded the local twinning association.

Among many community activities he is president of the Lyric Singers and chairman of Sedgefield Charities.

Mrs Lofthouse has also been very active in the community life of the village.

For many years she was school secretary at Rectory Row Junior and Infant School. She is also a past secretary of Sedgefield Show.