THERE was love in the air, a Champagne reception and even a magician for a couple who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary by renewing their vows – but no gifts.

Instead of receiving anniversary presents from their 40 guests, George and Jan Siewertsen, of Peal Road, Saffron Walden, asked for donations to be made to the Carver Barracks Injured Soldiers Fund as a show of their appreciation for the work of the armed forces.

Mrs Siewertsen, 69, and her husband, 72, have supported the charity Help for Heroes on a number of occasions in the past – including offering soldiers entry to the London Marathon.

The couple work alongside marathon organisers to allocate places, with most charities having to pay for entrants to take part.

This year, they helped provide two places for Carver Barracks – one of which was taken by a soldier who completed the 26.2m course in his bomb disposal gear.

“Having been married for 50 years there is not really anything we need in the house and because the barracks is on our doorstep it is pretty close to our hearts,” Mrs Siewertsen said.

“We were given flowers and Champagne, which was very nice, and the day was lovely too. The Injured Soldiers Fund is a fantastic charity and we’re delighted that our guests were so generous.”

About �175 was donated to the Injured Soldiers Fund following the Siewertsen’s celebration with close friends and family.

The day began with a ceremony at St Mary’s Church, followed by a Champagne reception and meal at the Saffron Hotel ... with a magician directing guests to their tables while performing tricks.

Mr and Mrs Siewertsen have three daughters, Janine, Sheona and Alison, and six grandchildren, Sean, 17, Jacob, 12, Oliver, 11, Isobel, eight, and seven-year-old twins Elliott and Lewis.