When Sheila Dyson booked a holiday to Spain to celebrate her 60th birthday she was expecting to celebrate with a quiet meal and the odd glass of Sangria.

But her husband, Geoff, and close on 50 of her family and friends, including workmates at Kilmeny Surgery, Ingrow, had other ideas.

They flew out to the resort of Platjad'aro, on the Costa Brava, to give Sheila the surprise of her life.

Sheila and Geoff, from Sherborne Drive, Exley Head, flew out to Spain on the Tuesday with family and friends following on Friday.

Once the surprise was out of the bag the celebrations began with a party and meal on the Saturday night, complete with flamenco dancing.

Nephew Godfrey Allen, from Denholme, said: "Geoff had mentioned it to a few people and they had said what a good idea it was, so he went ahead and organised the whole thing.

"Sheila couldn't believe it when we all turned up out of the blue on Friday.

"It was a great surprise and we had a fantastic party on Saturday night in the hotel.

"We were drinking and dancing the night away until the early hours," he added.

Joining Sheila for the party were her children, David, Colin and Louise, grandson James and grand-daughter Katie.

The receptionist at Kilmeny Surgery was also joined by doctors and colleagues who made the journey to toast her good health.