Chorister David Nichol celebrates 70 years at Acomb church

Mr Nichol still walks the mile from his house in Acomb, near Hexham, to St John Lee Church for every Sunday service.

The 78-year-old grandfather-of-one, who has been married to auxiliary nurse Barbara, 73, for 54 years, says he will keep singing until he drops.

Mr Nichol, a tenor whose devotion has been recognised by the Queen, will be honoured at a special harvest thanksgiving service this weekend.

He said: "I first joined in 1939 on October 1, which was my birthday.

"You weren't allowed to join until you were eight years old and you had served three months probationary before you got your cassock and surplice and your dicky bow tie.

"I just love singing in St John Lee and I have done all my life.

"It is a beautiful church, a beautiful setting and the people are very, very kind and sociable in the congregation.

"I practise by humming along to Songs of Praise.

"The wife never mentions the singing unless I do it in bed, when she tells me to hush up and keep quiet.

"I have to use glue to keep my teeth in these days, but I can still remember most of the hymns.

"As long as my legs keep going and my voice is here, I will still be here."