A LORD of the Rings Tour guide has flown half way around the world to attend his parents' diamond wedding anniversary.

The St.Bartholomew's Road residents Jean and Peter Lane celebrated their 60th year together on Thursday August 11 with a meal at L'Ortolan restaurant before bringing the family together through a house party the following Saturday.

Along with a fortuitous fly over from the Red Arrows, the assembled friends and family were treated to the appearance of the couple's son Michael, who had returned from New Zealand to Reading for the first time in ten years.

Mr Lane junior, who takes people around the epic scenery featured in Peter Jackson's fantasy films, last returned to his parent's home of 59 years for their golden anniversary.

Anne Lane, the couple's daughter and a employee at University College London business school, said: “It was a really lovely day and very sunny.

“It was an open house party with a hot curry buffet. At four O'clock they cut their cake and then Professor Ron Waters, who was best man at their wedding, made a speech.”

Mr and Mrs Lane first met when a school friend brought Mr Lane to Reading with the intention of setting him up with his girlfriend's friend.

Although the couple hit it off quickly, they had to marry on a 48 hour pass on August 11 1956.

At the time the Chronicle covered the couple's wedding which was brought forward after Mr Lane receiving his standing orders for service in Egypt as the Suez Crisis unfolded.

Among the guests at a reception held at Huntley and Palmers' canteen was the godfather of Mrs Lane, who was counsellor to the British Ambassador in Washington at the time.

Mrs Lane, a former secretary at New Town Junior School, and Mr Lane, a retired instructor at Arborfield Garrison, received a letter from the Queen last week recognising the landmark occasion.