THIS week we delve into the archives to look back on a jubilee wedding anniversary.

This picture, taken in May 1979, shows Mrs Elsie Holdsworth and Mr William Holdsworth, of Lyndhurst Avenue, Blackburn, cutting their anniversary cake.

Patients in a Blackburn hospital shared the golden moment when they became surprise guests at the 50th wedding anniversary.

Just a few days before the celebration Mrs Holdsworth and her husband switched all the plans for their special day.

And Mr Holdsworth, 75, had a special date in ward two where he and his wife paid for a party spread for all Mrs Holdsworth's eight fellow patients and staff.

"I didn't want to miss celebrating, so we decided to have a party. The ward sister and staff organised it for us," said Mrs Holdsworth.

"Never mind the surroundings - we're determined to enjoy ourselves," smiled Mrs Holdsworth.

Everyone drank their toast with sherry watching them cut an anniversary cake.

Then the whole ward almost forgot they were in hospital as the party atmosphere was completed with music.

The Holdsworth's golden wedding was thought to be the first celebrated at Park Lee Hospital.

Mrs Holdsworth, 72, said: "The ward sister and staff were wonderful."