Couple who were the first to get married at George Washington Hotel celebrate 40 years of marriage at the hotel

Hotel manager Ian Gray pours the drinks to ruby wedding couple Jacqueline and John Quinn, flanked by Jacqueline's bridesmaids - her sisters, Gillian (left) and Carolyn.

Jacqueline and John Quinn now live in Manchester. But they made the trip back with Jacqueline’s sisters Gillian and Carolyn, who were also her bridesmaids.

The hotel rolled out the red carpet with surprise gifts of Prosecco and flowers, upgrades and other treats to mark a special day.

The goodies, which included a photographic session recreating scenes from their wedding, were organised as part of a surprise welcome by Jaqueline’s sisters.

John and Jacqueline Quinn on their big day in 1979, with Jacqueline's sisters and bridesmaids Gillian and Carolyn and Gillian (furthest right).

Jacqueline said: “We were only 20 at the time we were married and were looking around for venues when dad suggested the George, even though it was barely finished.

“We suddenly realised what a good idea it was because we lived on the JFK estate in Washington Village just down the road. So it was perfect for everyone to get there.

“It also felt a bit special knowing we would be the first to have our wedding there.”

Hotel manager Ian Gray, said: “We’re planning to have a special night soon to properly mark the hotel’s 40th anniversary and it was great to add the memories of Jacqueline and John to that celebration.

“They’re a lovely couple and it was a pleasure to welcome them back. We hope that our welcome and hospitality today is just as warm and wonderful as it clearly was back then on their big day.”