THEY met on a blind date seven decades ago under a clock at Waterloo station and knew instantly it was love at first sight.

Now their family have travelled from far-flung corners of the globe to surprise them and help them celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss.

George and Kathleen Davenport, who both turn 90 this year, were astounded when they turned up at Acorn Social CLub, in Fair Oak, thinking they were there for a barbecue – only to find relatives from America, New Zealand and Canada waiting to surprise them.

The amazed family chatted and got reacquainted at the party, organised by their son Derek.

George insisted it was love at first sight when he met Kathleen and said the secret of a happy marriage is simple.

The Lee-on-the-Solent resident said: “It’s amazing and I never expected this party. It’s overwhelming.

“We have some people here who we have not seen in years like great-grandchildren and I’m looking forward to chatting to them. It’s wonderful to be here with them all.

“If my wife and I said that we never had an argument we would be telling the biggest lie of our lives!

“When I walked across the platform to meet her for the first time I was absolutely lost. There’s one thing that’s kept us together and that’s lots and lots of love.”

Special guests at the party included New Zealand resident Pat Jones, who was a bridesmaid at the couple’s wedding along with page boy Roy Davenport.

Pat said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea because it’s their 70th wedding anniversary and their 90th birthdays this year. It’s pretty incredible.”

Son Derek said: “With 70 years of marriage and them both coming up to 90 I thought it would be a good double celebration.”