A COUPLE'S children travelled thousands of miles to help them celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

On September 20, Andy and Margaret Dickson received two telephone calls from their son, Ben, who lives in Staffordshire, and their daughter, Jean, from Australia, congratulating them on their 60th wedding anniversary.

What the couple, who live in Barnes Road, Darlington, did not know was that their children were planning a surprise visit to see them for a celebration meal that weekend.

Jean had coordinated the celebration plans from Australia via e-mail, and had managed to get 50 people to the George Hotel, in Piercebridge, for the party.

Mr Dickson said: "We just can't believe that they all kept this secret from us for so long."

The couple have enjoyed a full and busy married life with involvement in the church, the Lions Club and the Freemasons.