A COUPLE are celebrating 60 years of married life by returning to the church where they said their vows for a blessing.

Jane and Harold Applegarth were married at St Cuthbert's Church, Durham, in 1943.

Yesterday, the Darlington couple returned to the church with some of their family to mark their anniversary.

The pair met when Mrs Applegarth's father brought her future husband home from the Army barracks where they both worked for a meal. The pair were married two-and-a-half years later.

After serving in the Army for seven years, Mr Applegarth, now aged 84, found work in Darlington and the couple moved to the town where they have lived ever since.

They have three daughters, Linda, Susan and Janet, and four grandchildren.

Mr and Mrs Applegarth were joined by some of their family for the church service yesterday where the couple's marriage was blessed.

They spend a lot of time in their garden and enjoy sequence dancing.

Last week an anniversary party was held for them at St Thomas Aquinas Hall, in North Road, Darlington, where the couple regularly dance.

Speaking about the celebrations, Mrs Applegarth, 82, said: "We had a lovely party at the dance and then the church service was very special for us.

"I think the secret of a happy marriage is hard work and a bit of give and take."