A DAVENHAM couple could finally enjoy the Midland Hotel breakfast they had waited 60 years for thanks to a generous diamond anniversary gift.

Josephine and Ted Betts enjoyed a luxurious £10 bed and breakfast stay at the famous Manchester hotel on their wedding night as a gift from Josephine's father.

The couple overslept before rushing for a honeymoon flight to Jersey, meaning they never got to enjoy their posh breakfast at the time, so daughter Sallyann contacted the Midland to book them in for the meal 60 years later.

She was told the Midland's restaurant was closed due to coronavirus, but as a surprise treat the hotel's top chef agreed to cook the long-awaited meal at Josephine and Ted's home on their anniversary morning.

Josephine said: "My father worked in Manchester at the time so he knew all about the Midland Hotel. He was determined to treat us.

"When we got back from Jersey, father asked how it was at the Midland, and I was too silly to say 'it was wonderful' – I just told him we overslept and missed it.

"He did not say anything but he must have been disappointed, and as you get older you do regret things – that was one of mine."

Brian Spark, executive head chef, rustled up the delicious meal and brought along the hotel's crockery and table dressings at no charge – and there was enough left over for sausage sandwiches the next day.

Ted, who was an electrician in the Royal Air Force before working at ICI, said: "It was a lovely day and it was quite remarkable that the Midland did what they did."

Josephine, neé Birtwistle, and Ted met at dances on the local circuit around Northwich, and their first date was to see The Bridges at Toko-Ri at the Regal Cinema in 1955.

The couple married at St Helen's Witton Church on July 30, 1960, and enjoyed their reception at the Grey Parrott hotel.

Northwich Guardian:

They have two children – Jonathan and Sallyann – and six grandchildren, with almost all the family joining the couple on the day.

And the secret to their success?

Ted said: "It can be hard work, it is not something that comes easy.

"You have to deal with each situation as it arises, you've got your own ideas of what should happen, and you learn to live with one another."

READ > Pictures show what you can expect from Northwich BEAR

Josephine added: "We are both strong willed and one person does not have it all their own way. We have different interests but we share plenty of common ones too."