WHEN Bryan Field was worried about his health last year, he doubted whether he would be around to celebrate his diamond wedding anniversary this week.

So he bought a diamond necklace for his wife, Pat, and left it in the safekeeping of their daughter, Christine.

But fortunately for 80-year-old Bryan, he was able to present the special gift himself at their home in Allendale, last Thursday.

Struck down by the lung condition emphysema five years ago, Bryan relies on oxygen to assist his breathing each day.

The retired miner was in good spirits last week, however, with the pair looking forward to a celebratory meal with family at the Anchor Hotel in Haydon Bridge to celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss.

“Our family is big,” said Bryan, “it’s like we have a big tribe and they are a wonderful support for my wife and I.”

The couple are originally from Ashington. They met as teenagers when Pat worked at a grocery shop close to Bryan’s home, and also attended the same Saturday night dance at North Seaton.

They were married at the town’s St John’s Church in 1956, and went on to have daughters Elizabeth, Christine, Eleanor, and Margaret, and son Douglas.

The couple began married life on North Tyneside, with Bryan working at Swan Hunter.

They soon moved to Kielder, where Bryan worked for the Forestry Commission in the days before the reservoir was built.

A move to Spartylea followed. Breadwinner Bryan spent nine years working at the lead mine at Rookhope, which meant a 17-mile round trip on foot each day.

More than 40 years ago, the family moved to Allendale, and Bryan joined Pat at her long-term workplace, the Robb’s department store in Hexham.

Now happily retired, the couple enjoy spending time with their 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Pat is making good progress after undergoing hip replacement surgery last week.

Daughter Christine said: “They are both remarkable. Dad was really worried about his health last year but he has recovered well, and it’s wonderful that he is here to present the diamond necklace himself.”