THE table was turned on Hambleton District Council chairman David Hugill – when his parents received a special civic visit.

John and Jean Hugill celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary – and that meant a special visit from the local council.

But as son David was already at the family gathering it fell to the authority's vice-chairman, Cllr David Blades, to drop by to mark the occasion with a bouquet of flowers.

John and Jean met through the Great Smeaton Young Farmers Club – marrying in the local church and farming at Dromonby Grange Farm in Kirkby in Cleveland ever since.

They have both have been active members of the community - Jean with the Women's Institute and John as a member of Kirkby Parish Council. On his retirement from the council John was made a Freeman of Kirkby-in-Cleveland in recognition of his long service.

The couple celebrated with their three children David, Wendy and Lynne and seven grandchildren.