A COUPLE who met through their membership of the Salvation Army yesterday celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Thomas and Freda Raine attended the Sherburn Hill and Newfield congregations respectively when they met in 1936.
Mrs Raine, who lives with her husband in Murray Court, Chester-le-Street, said: "Our congregations used to visit each other. I can remember when I first saw my husband.
"I know it was love at first sight for him - not so much on my part.
"He had to do a bit of running at first, but my affections grew for him."
Mr Raine, 88, who worked as a miner, and Mrs Raine got married in 1941.
The couple lived in Craghead, Stanley, until the mine closed in 1969. Mr Raine then worked as a civilian driver at the Durham Constabulary headquarters up to his retirement.
They have children Mevlyn, Kathleen and Elma, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Mr Raine said: "We confide in each other, love each other and share everything.
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