A COUPLE from Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, have told of their delight after a surprise party was thrown for them in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary.

Eileen and John Worth, of Cresswell Close, were told that they were going out for a quiet meal with family but instead ended up at a party attended by around 100 of the friends and relatives.

"It was a lovely night," said Mrs Worth," aged 71.

"It was such a shock to go there and find all my friends and family there.

"Some of them I had not seen for years."

The couple met 56 years ago in their home village of Leigh Sinton.

Mrs Worth said she wanted to get engaged to John, now aged 76, straight away. But, because she was only 15, her mother told her that she was too young to know what she wanted, and that she should wait until she was 18.

The couple, who celebrated their anniversary on Saturday, April 2, have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grand children.

Mrs Worth said that they are now looking forward to their diamond anniversary.