A devoted couple have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with a surprise party at a care home in Harold Hill.

Sylvia Cunningham, who is 90, is a resident at Hillside Nursing Home and celebrated the milestone with her 100-year-old husband John on July 1.

The surprise party was arranged by their family with the care home’s staff.

John and Sylvia have been married for 74 yearsJohn and Sylvia have been married for 74 years (Image: Gold Care Homes)

“We are incredibly lucky to be able to celebrate moments like this,” Hillside’s manager Maribelle Law said. “It’s a wonderful perk of the job.

“We could not be more happy for Sylvia and John to reach such a milestone and be a part of the celebration with their family.”

John and Sylvia reading their card from the King and QueenJohn and Sylvia reading their card from the King and Queen (Image: Gold Care Homes)

Sylvia lives at the home in North Hill Drive on a long-term basis, while John has stayed there as a respite guest in the past.

A surprise party was held for John and SylviaA surprise party was held for John and Sylvia (Image: Gold Care Homes)

The couple married on June 28, 1950, and raised four children. Their surprise party included live entertainment from a Neil Diamond tribute act taking them down memory lane.

They also received an anniversary congratulations card from the King and Queen to mark the special occasion.