A NEWPORT couple celebrated 60 years of marriage with a surprise party held by family and friends.

John and Patricia Morgan, of Ringwood Avenue, got married in St Patrick’s Church in Liswerry Newport in 1956 and have been inseparable ever since.

After being lured to The Priory in Caerleon by family, the pair were treated to a meal, letters from the Queen and from Newport City Council Mayor, Herbie Thomas.

Daughter Kerry Morgan helped organise the Diamond Anniversary bash and described her parents as “absolutely dumbfounded" at the party.

She said: “There were around nine of us sitting in the Priory hiding behind newspapers and when they came in we all jumped up and shouted surprise.

“They are very happily married and my father has always been a hard worker and provided — family always came first.”

Patricia Morgan,78, first met John when she was 14 years old, while she was watching all the boys play cricket at the bottom of Ringwood Avenue.

She said: “He did his national service at 18 and I didn’t meet him again until after he came out— six months later we were married.”

Speaking of the secret of a long and happy marriage Mrs Morgan added: “John is such a patient, caring and considerate person.

“I have always been very shy and John has helped me with that throughout the years.”

Retired painter and decorator, Mr Morgan, 80, believes a happy marriage is all about give and take.

He said: “Although we have been through difficulties and struggles over the years, I consider myself very fortunate.

“Patricia is all about the family and she is so caring and worries about me all the time, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

The couple have lived in their home on Ringwood Avenue, Newport, for around 50 years.

They have two children, John and Kerry, and two grandchildren, including 25-year-old Jonathan Morgan, an aspiring runner specialising in 1,500m and 800m races.

Mr Morgan added: “ I can’t thank my family enough for what they have done and it was a complete surprise."