A GOLDEN wedding is an occasion of great happiness and celebration – but celebrating it with a surviving parent is both rare and extra special. But this is what happened to Maureen Brooks, 67, of Nacton Crescent, Ipswich, as her mother, Beatrice Branch, joined her and her husband, John, 66, in celebrating their landmark day.

A GOLDEN wedding is an occasion of great happiness and celebration – but celebrating it with a surviving parent is both rare and extra special.

But this is what happened to Maureen Brooks, 67, of Nacton Crescent, Ipswich, as her mother, Beatrice Branch, joined her and her husband, John, 66, in celebrating their landmark day.

Commonly known as Blessa , Mrs Branch, 93, has an amazing total of four children, 11 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren.

She said: "I never thought I would be able to see this day, it is lovely."

She added that she hoped to still be around for the couple's diamond wedding.

Daughter Maureen said: "I don't think either of us imagined she would be able to see our golden wedding when we got married. It really is great."

The couple, who have two children themselves, were joined by 17 other family members for a meal at the Golden Hind pub on Sunday.

They first met when they both worked in an Ipswich crisp factory and swiftly became a couple. But before they could officially get together, Maureen had a choice to make.

She explained: "I had two on the go at first but I chose John pretty quickly after. He was better looking than the other one!"

Maureen was obviously happy with her choice because a few months later they got married at the Ipswich registry office, on July 26, 1952.

Despite being only 17 when they got married, their relationship has stood the test of time.

Husband John said: "We were both very young when we got married and everyone said it wouldn't last, but we have proved them wrong."

Although celebrating a golden wedding with a surviving parent is unusual, it isn't unique.

When the Queen and Prince Philip celebrated their golden wedding in 1997, the Queen Mother was there to join in the celebrations.