SIXTY years after their first wedding breakfast, a Troutbeck couple sat down with friends and relations for a celebratory meal of a very different kind on Saturday.

Muriel and Thomas Jackson ('Jackie') Bland of Syke Villa, were married in their home village of Troutbeck in 1940 when war-time shortages were rife.

"It was a cup of tea and a sandwich at home!" Muriel and Jackie recalled this week.

So for their diamond wedding anniversary they decided to do things a little differently.

The first surprise was the appearance of a range rover, decked out with white ribbons and flowers, that called to chauffeur them to their meal at Broad Oaks Country House Hotel, Troutbeck, driven by Mr Trevor Pavelyn, joint proprietor of the Hotel with his wife Joan.

The mode of transport was not exactly what was planned, Mr Pavelyn divulged this week, but was necessary because of the snow.

On arrival at the Hotel, the couple were announced as "the bride and groom of 60 years ago" as they walked into a room filled with family and friends, before sitting down to enjoy a menu that included melon, soup, sorbet and salmon or beef, and a choice of dessert.

"It was definitely a bit different to our first do!" said Jackie, who worked for Norweb in Kendal for 34 years after war service with the Royal Engineers in Ireland and Europe, including Germany.

Despite the winter weather conditions, family and friends travelled from Shropshire, Carlisle and Lancashire for the occasion, and included Muriel's bridesmaid, her sister Mrs Doreen Fishwick from Leyland.

Acting best man for the day was her brother, Mr Frank Rowlandson.

The couple received a card from the Queen, congratulating them on their diamond wedding anniversary, and sending best wishes for the Christmas season .

"Practically the whole village turned out to wish them well," said Mr Pavelyn.

"They are the most amazing couple I know.

They deserved the very best."