A COUPLE celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary will travel back in time to recreate their reception for the exact price they paid on the day.

When Keith and Linda Jackson got married at St Stephen’s Church in their home town of Birkenhead in September 1961, they liked Chester so much that they decided to hold their wedding reception at the Blossoms Hotel, at a cost of £7.18.

And half a century later, the couple, who have lived in Kelsall for the past 16 years, will return to the hotel to celebrate their golden anniversary with a three course meal, overnight stay and breakfast – for the same price they paid 50 years ago.

Mr Jackson, 71, who is still recovering from a recent heart attack, wanted to treat his wife to commemorate their special day but as he was unable to do anything too strenuous, he contacted both The Chronicle and the now-MacDonald New Blossoms Hotel with a copy of the original hotel receipt, to see if there might be a special way for them to celebrate.

Paola Cassotti, general manager of the hotel, was only too happy to oblige and has offered them a night to remember – at 1961 prices.

She said: “It is a wonderful compliment that Mr and Mrs Jackson should choose our hotel to share their very special occasion.

“What better way for this beautiful 350 year-old building to mark the event than for The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel to offer the couple the same nightly rate they paid way back in 1961 – a very modest £7, one shilling and sixpence?”

She added: “All of the staff look forward to welcoming the couple back to enjoy a truly memorable golden anniversary.

Mr Jackson, a retired seaworker, said the gesture was ‘marvellous’.

“It’s fantastic of the hotel to sort this out for us, we’re really looking forward to our stay after we’ve arranged someone to look after the dogs!” he added.

Mrs Jackson, 68, whose grandmother gave the couple the money to pay for the wedding reception, said it was ‘amazing’ to be able to recreate her special day.

She said: “Chester seemed so far away to us back then when there were no motorways. It was such a pretty place that we wanted to have our reception there, and we had a great day.

“I remember it was the hottest day of that year and we all went to a nightclub on Watergate Street afterwards.

“So much has changed since we got married – back then my friend made my wedding dress and another friend took the photos.

“And out of all our friends over the years, only one couple we know have got divorced.”

Mrs Jackson added: “I think the key to a happy marriage is that your partner should be your best friend. Keith is my best friend and always has been- and that’s how we’ve worked for 50 years.”