A couple from Garston were reunited with their Australian friends on Wednesday after winning a trip to Australia's Gold Coast in a nationwide competition.

Tourism and Events Queensland and Flight Centre UK ran a nationwide search for deserving candidates who wanted to be reunited with close friends and family living in Australia, and Raymond Mitchell, who travelled with his wife Linda, was one of 40 people to be flown Down Under in time for Australia Day.

Mr Mitchell and his wife will be reunited with Aussies Eric Senner and his wife Lorraine. They first struck up a friendship with the couple on a cruise in 2008. Since then, both couples have remained in contact with hopes of eventually reuniting, which they have finally been able to do.

Roisin Bailey from Watford was also reunited with her brother Noel who moved to Australia 12 years ago. Noel is the only family Ms Bailey has left.

The reunions took place at Australia's Gold Coast Airport where Tourism and Events Queensland and Flight Centre UK also organised for all 80 friends and family to be flown in from across the UK and Australia so they could enjoy a week long holiday with their loved ones.

The prize includes seven night's accommodation with two return flights with Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia. The 80 winners will now spend the week on the Gold Coast, with visits to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as well as paddle board and surf lessons.

Sarah Dean from Flight Centre UK said: "We were inundated with applications - so many heart-warming stories. Today at the airport has been incredible. I don't think I have ever seen so many happy tears."