A couple who spread the joy of their Ruby wedding anniversary by setting loose balloons received another anniversary gift in response - a new friend.

Suffolk farmer Tom Crick found the balloon on the ground near the coast, about 200 yards from his farm.

He traced Carole and Pete Jones to their Macclesfield home when he realised what the balloon was about, and sent them his best wishes, according to the Macclesfield Express.

His postcard read: "I hope you enjoyed your 40th wedding anniversary. One of your balloons landed on my farm just before the sea."

The delighted couple had released balloons at the party they held at a local pub, 200 miles from where the balloon was found.

Ms Jones told the newspaper: "It made the anniversary all the more special finding out how far our balloon had flown."

Meanwhile Val and Matt Coyne will be spending their Ruby anniversary in China and Hong Kong.

They intend to spend some of their time at a bear sanctuary that cares for animals bred for their bile, which is used in traditional Chinese medicines.