Popular pub bosses Lesley Dawson and Tony Horta proved they are no match for Sherlock Holmes when they held a party - which turned out to be a surprise for them from their usual suspects.

Locals at the Sherlock Holmes pub, in Station Road, Westcliff, had a secret collection to pay for a DJ, karaoke, buffet, decorations and extra staff behind the bar to say thanks to the couple for running the pub so well since they took over three years ago.

Crumbs - Tony Horta and Lesley Dawson with the cake bought by their customers to celebrate the couple's three years at the pub Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The couple were duped into thinking they were leading a supposedly unsuspecting regular into the function room when the true surprise was revealed.

Lesley said: "They said they wanted to throw a party for a lady and asked how much it was to use the function room. I said if it was for a regular it could be for free. They insisted they would arrange all the food and entertainment and to leave it all up to them

"The plan on the night was for me and my partner Tony to lead the lady into the function room for the surprise party and say 'this is your party'.

"When we got there, someone took over the microphone and said 'no, this is your party'.

"I burst into tears. They had done us up like a kipper. They took over the pub so we could have a really good time.

"It's ironic really that considering the name of the pub, they managed to keep it a secret."

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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