There were happy smiles and tears of joy at Hope House care home in Accrington after a resident received a surprise visit from his granddaughter on her wedding day.

Laura, granddaughter of Hope House resident John Southcott, was en-route to her wedding reception when she stopped by the home’s outside visiting area to see her grandfather, John, who had been unable to attend the wedding ceremony at Gretna Green.

Although John was unable to attend the wedding service in person, he said that he was delighted at being able to take pictures of Laura in her dress and said that he was thrilled at being able to play a part in her special day, especially as she is moving away in August.

He said: “It felt incredible to see Laura after she got married; she looked absolutely stunning and I felt extremely proud. It was disappointing not being able to attend the wedding in person, but I am so glad I still got to see her on her special day.”

Cathy Yates, Home Manager at Hope House, stated: “John is an amazing character and we are over the moon that we were able to help him share Laura’s special day with her.

“In the past, Laura has been a regular visitor to the home and has become an important part of the Hope House family. Everyone at the home hopes she had a fantastic day and we all wish her a long and happy marriage.”