Most couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary love to receive presents from friends and family - but selfless pair David and Ann Firmage asked instead for donations for the Macmillan centre at King's Lynn Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Mr Firmage, 73, has received treatment for bladder cancer at the hospital and his wife's father, Ralph Graveling was also cared for there before he died.

Mrs Firmage, 71, said: 'Giving the money to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Macmillan unit was just our way of saying thank you to all the nurses that helped care for both my husband and father.'

Her husband added: 'We thought it was a worthy cause. We had been looked after by them, so it was a good idea.'

Maria Izquieirdo Sanchez, staff nurse at the hospital unit, said: 'We are grateful to receive generous donations. The money will be usefully put towards improving our facilities, and to continue to provide exceptional care.'

The couple, from Norman Way, Syderstone, held a party to celebrate their golden landmark at the nearby Green Park Centre in Wicken Green last month. Around 120 guests attended and donated a total of £685 for the fund.

The couple had been married on September 18, 1965 at Stiffkey on the north Norfolk coast, and have lived at their home in Syderstone ever since.

Mr Firmage, who said he was now feeling 'very well', has just received a letter from the hospital giving him the 'all-clear' following his last six-monthly check-up. 'I won't have to go back for another six months,' he added.

The couple, who have two children Karen and Kevin, are both retired.

Mr Firmage used to work for the Ministry of Defence visiting former RAF stations in East Anglia as a financial auditor.

His wife worked in the processing industry picking mushrooms in north-west Norfolk.

Have you foregone a traditional present to help a worthy cause? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk