Journalists pride themselves on being first to know about a story – but the Packet’s news editor David Thomas was the last to find out about one of the biggest days in his life – his own wedding.

At 12.30pm on Saturday, February 18, friends and family who had gathered for his 40th birthday celebrations were shocked when Jeni, his partner of 15 years, got down on one knee and proposed.

They were left even more stunned when she announced the marriage would be taking place just two-and-a-half hours later.

The couple had been planning a quiet wedding in the summer – but Jeni, a senior assistant registrar at the University of Falmouth, had decided to bring it forward to make it a birthday weekend to remember.

With the help of the Registry Office in Falmouth she managed to get David to sign up for the wedding, without him realising the date it would actually take place, and managed to organise her dress, the rings and his suit without him spotting what was going on.

She even managed to gather family and friends together in Falmouth for the big day by telling them it was a surprise birthday party.

She said: “We were going to get married this summer, so I knew it was what Dave wanted – and I thought it would be the best way to show him how much I love him and make it a 40th birthday to remember."

David said: “I was stunned when I realised I would be getting married that day – as was everyone else in the room.

“It was a birthday to remember, one of the best days I’ve ever had.”

The couple were married at Falmouth Registry Office before heading to the Gylly Beach Cafe for drinks and photos and finally back to their home near Constantine for a party for family and friends.