WHEN two caring souls told guests to forget presents and bring a few pennies for Acorns to their Golden Wedding celebrations, they never imagined it would generate more than £1,000.

Jean and Derek Craske, who married on Valentine's Day 1953, believed they would walk away with little more than a few hundred pounds following the landmark celebration in February.

But after totting up the last few pounds, the couple, from Lower Howsell Road, Malvern, were stunned to find they had raised a staggering £1,040.

"We were absolutely delighted to find our guests' generosity had raised more than £1,000," said 73-year-old Mrs Craske.

"It made our anniversary even more special."

Around 100 friends and relatives turned up at the RSRE Club to see the couple, who were "made for each other", celebrate half a century of marriage.

Although the couple have lived in Worcestershire for 40 years, they met at a ballroom dance in Shropshire after Derek, now 72, left the RAF.

They put their successful marriage down to being able to talk to each other, no matter what.

The decision to raise money for Acorns, which is halfway to raising £4m to build a 10-bed hospice in Worcester, came about because of another "Golden" couple.

"We went to an anniversary party and were asked not to bring presents, but instead, make a donation to their local charity," said Mrs Craske.

"We both thought it was such a wonderful idea, and when we decided to have our own, immediately thought of Acorns.

"We've been blessed with four healthy children and eight grandchildren but many families are not as fortunate as ourselves."

Mr and Mrs Craske, who have supported Acorns for years, hailed Acorns' Selly Oak hospice as a "marvellous" place.

"We are looking forward hope visiting the new hospice in Worcester as soon as it is built," said Mrs Craske.