A COUPLE had a very pleasant surprise when their family threw a party for them to mark their golden wedding anniversary.

Long-time Petersfield residents Brian and Susan Knight were married 50 years ago and to celebrate the milestone anniversary, their daughter Leonie organised the get together.

The pair, who have five children and six grandchildren, marked the occasion in The Square Brewery where they were joined by over 40 friends and family members.

The room was decorated with golden banners and a photos from their half century together were displayed. Each of the grandchildren decorated the numbers five and zero.

A speech by their eldest son resulted in both laughter and tears – and when glasses were raised for the toast, the grandchildren jumped out from behind their grandparents to set off party poppers.

Grandchildren Lottie Hayward (12) and Megan Knight (15) said: “They thought they were just having a family dinner out and then they walked into a room full of familiar faces, singing the song Congratulations.

“Everyone enjoyed the celebration immensely, happy to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with the couple they all love.”