Coral (or jade) wedding couple Colin and Wendy Smith with the new addition at their Vale home. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0959740)

WENDY Smith was expecting flowers or chocolates from her husband for their 35th wedding anniversary.

So she was surprised and delighted when she was given a 6ft high terracotta emperor, shipped over especially from China.

Her husband, Colin, said he had first thought of buying one on a holiday they took to China in 1997.

Mr Smith spent nine months haggling with a seller in China. Having settled on a price, he then had to wait for three months for it to be shipped to Southampton before completing its journey to Guernsey.

The model is now next to the front door of the Smith’s home in the Vale. It has surprised a few passers-by.

‘Our family knew about it, so they weren’t shocked,’ said Mr Smith. ‘But some young lads went past on their bikes and one nearly fell off in surprise.’

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.