Newlyweds greet schoolchildren at Somerleyton estate

A tradition dating back more than 150 years was maintained this morning as more than 30 schoolchildren received pennies and buns from Somerleyton Hall.

A tradition dating back more than 150 years was maintained this morning as more than 30 schoolchildren received pennies and buns from Somerleyton Hall.

Traditionally held to mark St Valentine's Day, this year's event at the estate, near Lowestoft, had the added charm of a real-life love story as the children were given their gifts by the Hon Hugh Crossley and his new wife, who married earlier this month.

The couple, who had only returned from their honeymoon in Tanzania in the early hours of this morning, give iced buns and 50p pieces to 34 pupils from Somerleyton primary school as part of the penny bun day, which has taken place since the 19th century when Lowestoft entrepreneur Sir Morton Peto owned the hall.

The children performed country dances and a short violin concert in front of Lord Somerleyton and the newlyweds before presenting them with a Valentine's card full of pictures which the children had drawn for them and a special poem.

After eating their sticky buns, the pupils were given the chance to run off their energy in the estate's maze.