COUNTRY hit Give Me Your Word topped the charts when these two Inverclyde sweethearts took their vows in marriage.

Bob and Moira English have kept their own promise to one another and have just celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary 60 years on.

The devoted couple marked the occasion with family and friends at a party at Balclutha Care Home in Greenock.

They met in the Cragburn and danced the night away to the tunes of Charlie Harkins and the Kit Kat band and Henri Morrison and his Swingstars.

After a four-year courtship they were wed by Reverend David Wilkie in St Martin’s Church on 18 March 1955 and settled in the town.

Bob, 85, lived in East Blackhall Street before being bombed out in the war, and Moira was brought up in Glenburn Street in Port Glasgow.

He was a butcher before working in Kincaids while Moira, now 83, worked in a needle factory before she got married.

Bob said: “We get on very well and like the same things.

“Moira’s definitely the boss.” Their first home was in John Wood Street, then they lived in a prefab in Bardrainney before moving to Pentland Avenue where they stayed happily for more than 30 years.

They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Grace, 55, and Elma, 50, and the family has grown to include four grandchildren, extended grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Elma lives in Inverkip with her husband Campbell and two daughters Ellie, 13 and Sophie, 12.

Grace also has two daughters — Maura, 16, and Flora, 15 — with her husband Steve and lives in Hampshire.

Steve’s grown-up children Leanne, Calum and Rachel are also very much part of the family.

Elma said: “I think it’s wonderful to be with the one person for 60 years. My dad is very easy-going and mum has always been the driving force. They complement each other.

“My dad was so emotional on the day and couldn’t stop smiling.

“I don’t think I have seen him like that before.

“They both dote on their grandchildren and mum’s eyes light up when she sees them.” The pair have enjoyed several holidays abroad during their long and happy marriage, including trips to America, Italy, Portugal, Gran Canaria and Benidorm.

They were presented with a telegram from HRH The Queen by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Alan Sorensen, accompanied by his own personal best wishes.

Elma would like to thank staff at Balclutha for providing such a lovely spread and party for her parents.

The family have decided to donate to their staff fund to show their appreciation.