TODAY'S archive story goes back 10 years to a surprise celebration for a Garelochhead church minister.

Here's how we covered Alastair Duncan's anniversary party on June 18, 2009...

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IT’S hard to keep a secret in a village - but Garelochhead residents managed it when they planned a celebration party for their minister’s 20th anniversary at the church.

The Rev Alastair Duncan was celebrating 20 years since his call to Garelochhead Parish Church but what he didn’t know was his parishioners were busy sorting a surprise party for him.

One of the organisers responsible said: “It was really difficult. The kirk session and the board got together in someone’s house and decided to organise the party. There were notes being passed to people in church and all kinds of things but it was worth it just to see the look on his face.”

Around 170 people attended the event in the Gibson Hall and congregation member Judith McGregor made a special cake.

The biggest surprise of the night came when middle Duncan child Beth - who has been studying in Italy - walked in to the hall.

“It was the first time I have seen Mr Duncan lost for words!” said one of the congregation.