A golden wedding anniversary for Ken and Avril Surman raised more than £500 for Help for Heroes.

The couple of Dundas Court, Devizes, were joined by 85 family members and friends at their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday at Devizes Bowls Club.

Instead of presents they asked for donations to Help for Heroes.

The couple have an affection for Help for Heroes as their daughter, Kim Surman, is an officer in the Royal Air Force, grandson Ashley Hill is in the Royal Marines and another grandson, Darren King, is a sergeant in the Royal Artillery.

All three will be deployed to Afghanistan next year, the first time for Mr Hill.

Ken Surman, 74, said: “We think Help for Heroes is wonderful and the idea of a recovery centre in Tidworth is brilliant. We are in a big Army area and it must help to have such a place at Tidworth.

“It’s a worrying time when your relatives are in Afghanistan but you have to hope for the best. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

The Surman family have raised money before for Help for Heroes, including £2,000 at a disco held at Devizes Rugby Club in April.

Mr and Mrs Surman were married at Devizes Methodist Church in Long Street. Mrs Surman, 71, (nee Hughes) is originally from Bromham and went to Devizes Grammar School while Mr Surman attended Southbroom School, Devizes.

Mr Surman is a retired prison support officer, while his wife used to work on the switchboard at Roundway Hospital and at Devizes Telephone Exchange.

She currently works at Alzheimer’s Support office and drop-in centre in Sidmouth Street, Devizes.