A DAUGHTER took on the role as 'husband' to give her mum the 60th anniversary surprise she deserves.

Carol Tuscher's dad Michael died in December, after breaking his hip and ending up in Colchester Hospital.

Monday was a very special day, as it marked the 60th anniversary of his marriage to wife Patricia, who he had been with since Patricia was 15.

Not wanting her mum to miss out, Carol, 56, from Parsons Heath, stepped up to the role of her dad.

She arranged for an anniversary lunch at Zizzi in Colchester, and said the restaurant spoilt them with a free meal and champagne.

She said: "We had planned to throw a big party for them.

"I decided to play the role of dad and I called up Zizzi. The manager there was in tears when I explained the story.

"I ordered flowers to be delivered to the restaurant and bought a bottle of champagne."

She said staff at the restaurant were keen to get on board with the celebrations and make it a special day for Patricia, from Colchester.

Carol said: "As soon as we got to the restaurant we were given champagne. The staff were outstanding and it was a pleasure.

"The food was amazing and I wanted to give them recognition, especially as they didn't know us.

"They gave us a hug at the end, it was very sweet. There are still some nice people left in the world."

Michael, who died aged 79, was in the military police in Singapore and Paris.

He had six children, 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Carol said what would have been an emotional day for her mum was made special by the restaurant.

She said: "Mum loved the lunch. When we went to pay the bill they said it was on the house which was such a lovely thought.

"She and dad would go out all the time, as long as there was chocolate involved for him.

"He was the sweetest man on the planet."

Filip Harasimowicz, manager at Zizzi in Colchester, said it was the least he could do for the family.

He said: "When I had a phone call from Carol she said she used to celebrate her birthday here and it was a lovely experience for her father as well.

"It really touched me, I'm really happy to have regular customers here and they are celebrating the most important times of their lives with us.

"It was quite a sad day and it was the least I could do."

The family also wanted to thank the military police for all their support.