A sailor’s girlfriend was able to deliver him a special birthday card after enlisting the help of a daily newspaper.

Sam Hopkins, who lives in London, contacted the Glasgow Evening Times after realising she would be unable to get a 30th birthday card to Lieutenant Lloyd Wilkinson in time.

Logistics officer Lt Wilkinson came into port in Glasgow for four days aboard HMS Defender, but Ms Hopkins told the Evening Times it had “slipped her mind” to get a card to him ahead of his birthday on 3 April, by which time the ship will be back out at sea.

The newspaper was happy to help, and reporter Lizzie Roberts handed Lloyd a card on behalf of Ms Hopkins in the ship’s hanger.

Lizzie presents Lt Wilkinson with the card

Lizzie told HTFP: “It was so nice to be able to help Sam and Lloyd by delivering the card for them. Lloyd was so shocked when we pulled out the card, he didn’t see it coming.

“As someone in a long distance relationship myself it felt extra special being able to make this happen.”

Lieutenant Wilkinson described the surprise as “perfect”, and added: “Thank you, Sammy. Love you.”

Ms Hopkins told the Evening Times: “He always remembers every occasion, he will send me flowers and a card and he’s so, so, good at it every single time.

“I just felt awful, which is why I’m so, so grateful for you helping with this, I didn’t think I would be able to make it happen.”

She added: “I am so beyond excited, I wish I was there to see it to be honest. But I’m so happy, I’m so grateful.”