A NORTH Berwick man who was unable to celebrate his 80th birthday with his family still had a day to remember thanks to his neighbours.

James Walker, known as Jim, lives on St Margarets Road with wife Valerie and celebrated his big day on Monday.

Initial plans were for his daughter Morag to travel from Ireland, where she currently stays with her partner and family, and his two sons Alastair and Graeme to visit from Staffordshire and Edinburgh respectively.

However, the coronavirus lockdown changed this, and meant that his family were not able to be by his side.

Morag contacted Jim and Val’s ‘lockdown street link’ for the area – put in place by the town’s resilience team – to ask if anyone could make a cake for her dad’s birthday.

Morag said: “I knew the street link lady is an active member of the community so would know if anyone was able to help.”

The plan snowballed from a kind neighbour making a chocolate cake to other neighbours gathering in front of Jim and Valerie’s house to sing a socially distanced ‘Happy Birthday’.

When he heard his doorbell ring, Jim was amazed to find the chocolate cake at the front door.

Neighbours from nearby Marmion Road and St Margarets Road struck up a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’, while Jim waved from the doorstep.

He then walked to the pavement to thank everyone.

“It’s a lovely day for us to eat cake and have a cup of tea in the garden,” said wife Valerie.

Morag said: “My dad was a bit taken aback but really appreciated the surprise. He’s looking forward to trying the cake.”

Jim was born in Gullane on April 27, 1940 but has spent most of his life in North Berwick, attending the local schools.

He spent all of his career as a quantity surveyor and is a member of the local bowling club.

He met Valerie, who is from Prestonpans, at the Pavilion dances in North Berwick, where the Scottish Seabird Centre now stands.

The pair married 55 years ago.

Morag said: “We were going to come over with the whole family and help him celebrate. I ended up phoning him on the day.

“The plan is to hopefully get something arranged when this is all over.

“He also got fish and chips delivered for his dinner.”

Morag added: “I’d just like to say to the community a big thank you.

“It’s a good thing they have done, especially the people who made the cake.”

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