Darlington Talking Newspaper has received a total of £500 from the town's Freemasons and a couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Derek Barker, master of the Steadfast Mark Lodge, and grand lodge officer Peter Smailes visited the talking newspaper office yesterday to present a cheque for £300, the results of fundraising efforts.

Earlier in the year, Mr Barker and his wife, Myra, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

They decided they did not want people to give them presents, but instead asked family and friends to make cash donations and raised £190 for the talking newspaper.

Carl Ottolini, chairman of the Darlington Talking Newspaper, said: "We are very pleased with the donations, which together amount to just under £500."