TEARS of joy were shed as couple William and Doris Whichelow were surprised by family and friends for their diamond wedding anniversary.

The happy couple, of Mead Road, Loudwater, were oblivious to the celebration plans as they made their way over to Barrowcroft Community Centre last Saturday.

They thought a practice evening for a friend's birthday was in store and were confused when they were met with shrieks from friends and family on their arrival.

"It was fantastic and a very emotional evening," said daughter-in-law Jo Whichelow. "Some of their oldest friends came along to share their special day."

Mr Whichelow, 87, said he had a wonderful evening after he got over the surprise.

He smiled: "We had nothing to do with it. Suddenly there were all of these people cheering for us and we were a little baffled but then we realised what was going on."

The couple married on May 17,1941, after meeting by a fairground ride in Yarmouth a few years earlier.

Mr Whichelow worked as a chairmaker for AG Allen Furniture Makers in Sands, High Wycombe, before retiring in 1965.

They have two sons, Stefan and Paul, who live in the area, and four grandchildren.