A COUPLE who enjoyed their first date at a dance hall in Stanley have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Former Middlesbrough FC player Joe Birbeck, 83, and his wife Edna, 82, marked the landmark occasion with a family get together.

The pair wed at St George’s Church in South Moor, on December 19, 1955, and went on to have two daughters, four grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Their daughter, Elizabeth Finnigan, said: “They are a very devoted couple and very close. It was lovely and they had a fab day. We are so pleased that everyone has made a fuss of them.”

The couple, who went to the same school together in South Moor, got together at local dance at Castles Dance Hall, in 1951.

Joe made his name as a professional footballer, playing for Middlesbrough during the 1950s alongside team-mates including Brian Clough. He also played against Bobby Robson and Bobby and Jack Charlton.

Edna meanwhile was well-known as a shop worker in Broughs, which became Liptons, in Stanley, and later as a cleaner at East Stanley Primary School.

On their anniversary they received a card from the Queen and a visit from Cllr Jan Blakey, chairman of Durham County Council, who presented them with a bouquet of flowers.

Cllr Blakey said: “I was delighted to meet Mr and Mrs Birbeck and to pass on my warmest congratulations to them on their 60th wedding anniversary.”