THE devotion of two sisters, whose close bond spanned the Atlantic, will culminate at a mayor making ceremony next month.

Last year Mrs Christina Castle was fighting for her life in Houston, Texas, while her sister, Coun Pat Walker prayed for her recovery.

On Wednesday, May 9, Coun Walker will be installed as mayor of Middlesbrough and her sister will be at her side to take on the role of mayoress.

Mrs Castle, aged 53, now fully recovered from a serious heart complaint, flew into Teesside airport on Tuesday to be greeted by her sister and her sister's husband, Coun Ken Walker, who is leader of Middlesbrough council.

The future mayor said: "Last year we were at Christina's bedside praying for her recovery, and now we're looking forward to being together on what is a very special day.

"When Christina was so ill we could hardly have imagined that we would be planning this wonderful occasion. Christina will stay for three months, and when she goes back my sister-in-laws, Mrs Gwen Murphy and Mrs Patricia Murphy, who both live in Middlesbrough, will share the role of mayoress."

Mrs Castle said: "I love coming home. There is nothing like it. Last year when I was ill I had a 10pc chance of making it through, but this all must be the reason that I made it."

"I am also thrilled that I can play a part in my sister's special year. I am very, very proud of her."

Coun Walker has another two sisters and six brothers. Most of the family, including brother, Gerald, who lives in Germany, and their mother, Mrs Sarah Jane Murphy from Middlesbrough, are hoping to be at the mayor-making.

Mrs Castle, who has two grown up children, went to America with her Berwick Hills-born husband, Dave, 21 years ago.