LIFE long farmer Harry Duffus wanted to do just one thing to mark his 100th birthday to go to Northallerton auction mart.

So after weeks in lockdown because of the coronavirus, arrangements were made for him to go to the Mart just after his birthday to buy cattle.

“He did enjoy it,” said his wife Cynthia. “It has been his life really farming and going to the Marts, he had always regularly attended Northallerton, Thirsk, Leyburn and Darlington so it was good to go to the Mart to mark his 100th birthday, but he didn’t want a fuss made.”

Mr Duffus was born and bred on the family farm at Thrintoft, near Northallerton, and has worked tirelessly in agriculture since. Mrs Duffus added: “He has always loved the outdoor life, we don’t know what to think of the latest situation, we have just been staying at home, but he really appreciated his trip to the Mart.”

And it wasn’t the only celebration for Harry, this week the couple who have a son and two daughters, marked another milestone celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.