Hartlepool couple John and Sheila celebrate 65th wedding anniversary with trip down town's memory lane

When plans for John and Sheila Malham’s celebrations were hit by the coronavirus outbreak, daughter Denise hit on the idea of taking them on a tour of all their old stomping grounds – including St Hilda’s Church, where they tied the knot in 1955.

Plans for a family holiday had to be abandoned.

Denise told the Mail: “We were supposed to be going to Centre Parcs – I take them every year – but we have had to cancel because of the coronavirus.”

With the couple in their late 80s and keen to limit contact with others, the choices were limited.

“The only thing I could do was to take them out in the car,” said Denise.

“What I said was I would take them to the Headland, because that is where they grew up and the area has a lot of memories for them.

“I said I would take them back to St Hilda’s Church, where they got married.

“It was a lovely day and there were quite a few people out and about. They absolutely loved it, especially because they don’t know when they are going to be able to get out again.

“We had a walk round, then went back to their caravan at Crimdon to cut the cake.”

The couple had been devoted to each other and their family throughout their lives, said Denise.

“Mum was a housewife – most of the time she just brought us four kids up. Dad was an electrician.and also worked as a youth leader – he had two jobs so mum could stay at home with us,” she said.

“I can honestly say they have been happy together all their lives.

“They love each other and my dad is still a gentleman to this day – he helps her on with her coat, opens the door for her, opens the car door for her – he is very much old school.

“They have totally given their lives to each other, they really have. Even when we were kids, they just used to be kissing and cuddling all the time.”