Blue Islands laid on a special treat for two overwhelmed passengers this week. June and Eric Davis were suprised with a baked to order cake from Michelin star chef Shaun Rankin and a bottle of congratulatory Champagne.

The special couple were celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary in Jersey, having been married at St. Clements Church in March 1964.

Our Blue Islands team provided a welcome difference service with a pilot's message congratulating the former Jersey residents before cabin crew member Amelia Dorey presented the cake and champagne, whilst all other passengers were given a glass to toast the couple's special day.

June and Eric met a year prior to their wedding at a fancy dress ball in the former West Park Pavilion when they were both working on the Island, June as a nurse and Eric in the motor trade with Cleveland Garages.

Mrs Davis, born in Llantwit Major, fondly remembers Eric's romantic and spontaneous proposal only a year later whilst enjoying a Saturday afternoon drink together, commenting:

I thought he was joking at first, we were just enjoying a drink when Eric asked whether I was busy next Saturday. Answering that I had nothing planned, Eric swiftly inquired whether I fancied getting married and I guess the rest is history.

They have lived a charming and indeed spontaneous life together thus far, leaving Jersey after seven happy years for Eric to join the Metropolitan Police in London, and later transferring to South Wales. Former military man Eric made another impulsive decision in 1975 when he took his wife and two young daughters to Africa, following a recommendation from a friend as a 'nice place to visit'.

Initially without jobs, June and Eric went on to spend seven successful years in Zimbabwe and then 23 brilliant years in South Africa before returning to Porthcawl, South Wales in 2006.

The lovely couple are stopping with Eric's Jersey born best man Eddie during their stay and are looking forward to visiting St. Clements Church on Sunday, as well as seeing more of the Island they hold so dear.

Eric, from Salisbury, said:

We absolutely love Jersey and are looking forward to seeing the church at the weekend, hopefully we will get chance to visit all of the great places we enjoy throughout the week. St. Aubin, St. Brelade, St. Ouen; there are too many to name - we love the whole Island. We're especially looking forward to a celebratory meal with our friends and maybe squeeze in a few walks and a little shopping.

Reflecting on the flight and surprise gifts, he continued:

We are both totally overwhelmed, it was a real shock. Firstly we were upgraded by Blue Islands to the Bristol Airport Executive Lounge and started wondering what was going on, but we certainly didn't expect this. The service has been fantastic, it was a brilliant surprise and great to share the moment with the other passengers. I certainly won't forget Blue Islands and look forward to flying with them again. The flight was great and the people we met were lovely.

Acclaimed chef Shaun Rankin said:

It is a pleasure to do something special for June and Eric who are returning to the Island for such an important milestone. 50 years of marriage deserves a fantastic celebration and I am looking forward to making sure they are spoilt right from the beginning of their journey. Our partnership with Blue Islands allows us to offer a really bespoke service to customers and we will always go the extra mile.

Blue Islands Managing Director Rob Veron added:

We take great pride in our customer service and going the extra mile for our passengers is all part of the experience. On this occasion we were delighted to provide our welcome difference service to June and Eric celebrating a fantastic landmark anniversary.

We would also like to wish fellow passengers Ken and Betty a happy Diamond Wedding Anniversary, who are celebrating an astounding 60 years together with a trip to Jersey from their hometown of Neath.

Blue Islands currently operate two daily flights from Bristol Airport to Jersey, with this weekend seeing the launch of their new Saturday service from the West Country.