A couple who go to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burnt Lane, Gorleston, have been given a special baby shower party as a thank you for their dedicated service.

Paul and Sini Manogaran were given the party as a surprise hidden under the guise of a financial budget meeting.

The couple, who have given unselfish service to the church for several years and both work at the James Paget University Hospital, were taken off guard by cheers of “Surprise, surprise” along with bursts of party poppers and “Congratulations” from everyone.

They were decorated with “Mum & Dad 2 Be” sashes and badges, and given seats of honour beside a table loaded with gifts for the baby.

At first, being overwhelmed they could only express their surprise, but Mike Clarry spoke about their ordeal of having wanted a baby for several years but against all odds they had finally been blessed.

After a special prayer they opened the gifts that had been showered upon them.

This was followed by a meal prepared by the ladies in the church.