A COUPLE who eloped ten years ago are appealing to the strangers who witnessed their wedding to get in touch.

Patrick and Miriam Wardman, from Otley, were married at Richmond Registry Office in North Yorkshire on June 1, 1999.

They managed to persuade two passing locals - husband and wife Sam and Dora Hindle - to be their witnesses.

Now, as their tenth anniversary approaches, they are appealing to Mr and Mrs Hindle to get in touch.

Mrs Wardman, who was three months pregnant at the time of the wedding, said she wants to let the Hindles know that she now has a beautiful nine-year-old daughter Ellen.

Mrs Wardman, 42, said: “At the time we just wanted to get away from it all, and it seemed a very romantic thing to do.

“Richmond is such a beautiful place, and a wonderful setting for any wedding.

“It was so nice of Mr and Mrs Hindle to be our witnesses, and we’d love to get in touch with them and let them know how we’ve been getting on.”

She added: “They had their two young grandsons with them at the time as well, who might very well remember attending some strangers’ wedding during their school holidays.”

Mr and Mrs Wardman had been together for about 16 years before they got married.

Mrs Wardman said: “We have never regretted eloping to Richmond, although I don’t think our families have ever quite forgiven us.

“It was very romantic, and we had a lovely time.

“We would dearly love to be reunited with Mr and Mrs Hindle so that we can thank them for their kindness, which we will never forget.”

If Mr and Mrs Hindle would like to get in touch with the Wardmans, they can contact Philippa Weighell at The Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times on 01325 505294 or philippa.weighell@nne.co.uk.