A COUPLE have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family - at a safe distance.

George, 82, and Edna Hodgson, 81, who live in Pickering, marked with their 60th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family last Thursday.

“We hoped to have a party or meal out to celebrate, but due to coronavirus restrictions we had to celebrate separately during the day,” said daughter Julie Hall.

“Even though coronavirus has prevented a full celebration, we provided plenty of flowers, cake, gifts and cards on their special day.

“Everything is very unpredictable, so hopefully we can throw a bigger celebration soon.”

George spent his childhood in Thornton-le-Dale, unbeknown that his future wife lived a few miles away in Pickering.

The couple fell in love and married on October 8, 1960, at Pickering Methodist Church, surrounded by family and friends.

Following the wedding, George joined the Forestry Commission as a works supervisor on the North York Moors in 1963.

He helped reshape forests such as Cropton and Dalby, near Pickering, and watched the transformation of the industry from manual work to mechanisation.

In that time, the couple lived in Dalby Forest and had three children - Kath, Steve and Julie - followed by five grandchildren.

After George retired in 2003, the couple supported the Thornton-le-Dale Show for many years and eventually became show presidents.

“We had a fantastic childhood full of love, nature and plenty of cows, sheep, geese and pigs,” added Julie.

“My parents have the perfect partnership and support each other through everything.

“They do everything together; they particularly enjoyed dancing until the coronavirus outbreak hit.

“The last few months have been tough for my parents, since they’re a particularly sociable couple and enjoy seeing family and friends.

“Even after 60 years of marriage, my parents still hold hands and say ‘I love you’ everyday.”

My siblings names are Kath (eldest) and Steve (youngest).