A COUPLE who have brought the news to their community for most of their lives are themselves making headlines as they celebrate 60 years together.

Jack and Olga Hedley are well-known in Eldon Lane, where they served behind the counter at Hedleys store since it opened in 1946.

Mrs Hedley, 82, only stopped working at the store, which is now run by her son Chris and daughter Barbara, two years ago. Mr Hedley, 85, retired in his 50s after suffering a stroke.

They were married at Eldon Lane Church in 1943 after securing a special licence. Mr Hedley had proposed by letter while serving with the Royal Engineers.

They spent their honeymoon in Darlington, posing for a wedding photograph in Taylor's photographers in the town before going to see a film.

After four days together, Mr Hedley returned to service in the Middle East. He was demobbed in 1946 and joined his wife in running the shop in Spencer Street.

Since then they have been pillars of the community, serving generations of the same families over the years.

Olga said: "The love and respect I get from people in the community has been worth all the work."

Mr and Mrs Hedley enjoyed their celebrations surrounded by 21 family and friends, including their four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild at a lunch at the Redworth Hall Hotel.