ROMANTIC grandad Jim Calloway is still surprising his wife after 49 years.

Jim, 73, splashed out on a £16,500 sports car for Betty to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary. Earlier this month we reported how Betty was forced to sell her classic Stag sports car after 20 years because she could no longer manage to put down the soft top. Retired butcher Jim hit on the idea of a new sports car - with an electric roof - to replace it. The gift was delivered to their home in The Ridgway, Woodingdean, Brighton, in a surprise ceremony, covered in balloons and ribbons and complete with a bouquet of 49 red roses. Sports car enthusiast Betty, 70, said: "I am still in a bit of a daze. "The car is absolutely beautiful. "Jim is such a kind-hearted person. "He is always surprising me with lovely presents. He will put me before anyone." The couple, who wed at St Peter's Church, Brighton, have two daughters and five grandchildren. They celebrated their anniversary by taking the new Honda CRX out for a spin. Jim said: "Betty is worth every penny. I love her just as much after 49 years. "I knew she missed her old car and I was determined she was still going to be independent. I wanted to make her day special." Betty had test driven a CRX and knew they hoped to get a new car. But she was still surprised when it arrived in balloons and ribbons on her anniversary.

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