LONG-STANDING Sidmouth Conservative Club members, whose wedding day happiness hinged on the venue’s hospitality, have said an unusual thank-you – by buying it a new gate.

Pensioners Dave and Shirley Holman found love again after losing their previous partners to cancer and tied the knot last year.

They had a ball when their reception was staged at the hub in Radway Place – with its committee members decorating the room and catering team serving up culinary delights.

The lounge hire fee was donated as a wedding gift and Dave and Shirley, of Yarde Hill Orchard, felt the day was such a success they wanted to express their gratitude.

“The club has been good to us over the years,” said Dave, 85.

“We have been members for so long we feel like part of the family,” added Shirley, 77.

The couple asked club bosses what needed replacing - and they came up with two options.

Replacing all the curtains was beyond their budget, but the pair jumped at the chance to replace a broken gate in All Saints Road.

The club held an official ‘gate opening’ ceremony last Saturday, July 6, when Dave and Shirley cut a blue ribbon.

Club chairman, Derek Truesdale, accepted the new gate on behalf of the members and showed Dave and Shirley a brass plaque commemorating their donation.

The couple ditched traditional wedding day gifts and asked for donations to boost Cancer Research UK.

They raised £900.