TWO established ‘stars’ of Durham University tied the knot at a weekend wedding ceremony.

Durham Cathedral was the venue for the nuptials of renowned astronomer Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale and anthropologist Dr Dorothy Middleton.

The couple were both marrying for the second time following the death of their first spouses.

Both are acknowledged experts in their respective fields and have collectively accumulated more than 100 years of academic study and research.

Sir Arnold, whose has held academic posts at Durham since 1956, is now an emeritus professor who remains active in the university’s physics department.

He served as the 14th Astronomer Royal, between 1991 and ’95, and is also a past president of the European Physical Society.

Dr Middleton’s connections with the university go back to the early 1960s.

She completed a PhD in 1971 and since returning to live in Durham she has worked as a part-time lecturer in the university’s anthropology and East Asian Studies departments.

Her research is ongoing in Guatemala and southern Mexico and she was recently made a Freeman of the City of London.

By common consent Saturday’s wedding celebrations went well, with the cathedral marriage service, attended by about 120 guests, conducted by Canon David Kennedy.

The address was given by the Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, principal of St John’s College, Durham.

Readings were given by Colin Wolfendale, one of Sir Arnold’s twin sons, and Tim Middleton, one of Dr Middleton's sons, who also gave her away.

Prayers were read by Sir Arnold's other twin son, David, and Dr Middleton’s other sons, Peter and John.

Steven Berry sang during the service and at the subsequent reception, at St Mary's College, Durham, where Dr Middleton is a tutor and mentor.

A recital was given by two of Sir Arnold's granddaughters, playing piano and violin, before the newlyweds departed for a short honeymoon in York.