WASHFORD couple Jackie and Richard Cubitt returned from holiday this year with a very unexpected memento – an impressive signed document awarding them the citizenship of an idyllic Greek Island.

“This came as a complete surprise to us,” said Jackie, who has visited the island of Kos every year for the past 23 years and whose parents have lived there since 1997.

“I met Richard in 2004 and we married in Kos in 2008. No wonder the island has an important place in our hearts.

“We had to miss out last year because of the pandemic. We always stay at the same hotel and this year we were told that we had been chosen to be awarded citizenship of Kos and when we got over the shock we were really honoured and touched.”

Signed by the president of the tourism committee and presented by the mayor of Kos followed by a glass of champagne, the document declared: “The Municipality of Kos, in consideration of Richard and Jaqueline Cubitts’ love for the island of Kos and the friendship they have developed with its inhabitants, unanimously decides to award the title of Citizenship of the historic island of Kos.

“We honour them for the love to our island which not only strengthens the bonds of friendship and peace of the people, but develops the traditional friendship between our countries.”

One of the group of Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, Kos is famed for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and historic Roman sites. “We just love it there,” said Jackie, who works in West Somerset as a carer.

“And now we’re citizens, the place will be even more special. We’ve already booked next year’s holiday!”