A WELL-KNOWN farming couple who celebrate their diamond wedding on Saturday attribute their long marriage to "give and take".

"We have always worked together," said Martha Brown, a sprightly 91-year-old who, with her husband Alf, 87, farmed for 40 years at Farndale.

Alf, who was born at the famous moorland beauty spot village, spent a lifetime in farming, which started in his youth when he went to work on a farm near Northallerton - and met Martha.

The couple were married at Martha's local church at Great Langton and they then moved to Toad Hall Farm, Farndale, where their three daughters, Dorothy, Mary and Eleanor were born.

In 1950, the family moved to Horn End Farm, Farndale, part of the Duncombe Park Estate, and remained their until their retirement in 1979, when they moved to Kirkbymoorside.

"I was kept busy feeding the men and looking after the poultry," said Martha.

At the 170-acre farm, they specialised in dairy cows, fattening bullocks and sheep breeding. For some 35 years, Alf was secretary of the Farndale Hunt, and its Master for a decade.

Martha, a keen gardener, was a keen supporter of village life at Low Mills, Farndale, including the WI until recently. Both were leading figures in Farndale Show, Alf being on the committee and Martha with the refreshments.

In addition, they served on the parochial church council of St Mary's, Farndale, where Alf was also churchwarden for over 20 years.

The couple will be having a special celebration with their daughters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild at the Alba Rose residential home, in Middleton Road, Pickering, where they have lived for the past year. "We get very well looked after," said Martha.

Updated: 12:37 Thursday, January 31, 2002