A SOUTH Lakeland farming couple are celebrating their diamond wedding today (Thursday).

Thomas, 85, and Doreen Nelson, 82, of Sedgwick, met in Lupton, near Kirkby Lonsdale, where their families farmed neighbouring holdings.

The couple were married on a snowy day on March 8, 1958, at All Saints Parish Church in Lupton.

Life was busy for the couple, who later had five children - Mary, Karen, John, Brian and Helen - and 12 grandchildren, farming at Carlingwha Farm in Lupton.

Mr Nelson has never retired from farming and considers helping out at Carlingwha Farm as his main hobby, when he is not tending to his vegetable garden.

Before becoming a busy farmer’s wife, Mrs Nelson served as a home help for a farming family near Kirkby Lonsdale.

An active member of the Women’s Institute for more than 50 years, Mrs Nelson likes gardening and reading.

The couple have also have been actively involved in their local community and have been members of the Lunesdale Agricultural Show Society.

Mr Nelson has acted as president in the past and Mrs Nelson served on the committee.

“My parents are a couple who are committed and responsible and do everything together,” said daughter Helen Heseltine.

“Marriage and life has been about them supporting each other.

"They are loyal to whatever they commit to: the farming life, the village community, their family and their marriage.”

The couple cited good communication as a recipe for a long and happy marriage.

“We have always worked together. One of us does their job and you do your job. It’s about communication,” said Mrs Nelson.

“Don’t get too serious about problems.

"I have always been quite a light-hearted person: don’t dwell on things at all.”

The couple will be celebrating the milestone anniversary with their friends and family.