Eric and Jan's online surprise for their 60th wedding anniversary

A BIG surprise awaited Eric and Jan Davey when they made their regular Skype call to their son in Norfolk during the coronavirus lockdown.

As they were celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on 16th April, Eric expected a few kind words from his son, Neil – but there was a lot more in store for the Dibden Purlieu couple.

Eric said: “I was told to click on this link and then to my great surprise all of a sudden there were loads of relatives – including our other son Martin – from all over the country wishing me and Jan a happy anniversary.

“It really was a huge shock but absolutely marvellous. We both loved it.”

Eric and Jan had been planning a family party but Covid-19 put paid to that, and instead they were going to have a “quiet drink at home”. But son Neil had ingenious plans to make sure they could celebrate it in style.

The couple first met in Bognor Regis when Eric was 23 and serving with the Royal Engineers. Jan was 21, and after marrying the couple travelled the world as Eric was posted to different countries.

They moved to Dibden in 1986 where Jan worked at the Holbury Co-op and Eric for the DSS in Southampton.

After retiring, he became vice-chair for Hythe and Dibden Parish Council. The couple say they are hoping to have a family get-together when the lockdown is over.