A COUPLE from Tavistock celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and a birthday in style on board a cruise ship en route to the Baltic.

Ann and David Parkin celebrated their 50 years of marriage and David's 77th birthday on board the Cruise and Maritime Voyages ship Marco Polo.

The couple, pictured, have lived in Tavistock for three years. They have three sons and six grand children — and in September they are expecting to hear about their first great grandchild. Prior to the cruise the family organised a wonderful surprise party for them. The couple cruised to the Baltic cities and St. Petersburg in Russia.

Ann Parkin said: 'My husband and I had a wonderful time on the cruise and had nothing but praise for all the members of the crew, the cabin staff, the entertainment, and catering staff. Everyone gave 100% to ensure all the passengers were well cared for. The weather was also kind to us ' hardly a ripple on the sea throughout the cruise.'

The couple sailed from the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury on the Thames earlier this month. Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) provide special arrangements to make sure that anyone wanting to celebrate an event on board can do it on the ship in some style.