A DIAMOND Greenock couple have celebrated a 60th wedding anniversary that was written in the stars on Christmas Eve.

Robin and Norma Connell had their whole family with them as they reflected on their wonderful life together and revealed their keys to lasting happiness.

Robin, 83, and Norma, 78, were especially touched by one special anniversary present — a framed chart of the stars on the night of their wedding on December 24, 1958.

Norma said: "It is a wonderful gift, from my husband's sister, but the whole celebration was very special and one that we will cherish."

The couple — who have three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren — had planned to wed in the spring of 1959 but Robin's time in the military caused them to bring their nuptials forward.

Norma, originally of Greenock's South Street, explained: "We got engaged in the May and we decided to get married in the April of the following year and had booked the Tontine Hotel for our reception.

"But Robin was doing his National Service and was to be posted abroad to Germany, so he phoned me to ask if we could get married before he went, and I said that was fine.

"We called the Tontine with three weeks notice and they were able to take us on the Christmas Eve, so that's why we got married then.

"It was certainly a wedding to remember."

Norma and Robin, a retired chartered accountant and lecturer who hails from Brisbane Street, said their vows at St Andrew's Church before honeymooning in Glasgow and Perth.

The couple, who have lived in Kilmacolm for more than 50 years, celebrated their marriage milestone at the River Inn in Houston, 60 years to the day they got hitched.

Norma said: "It was a brilliant and lovely day and it was wonderful to have the family with us."

She added that 'love and working at it' were her and Robin's recipe for a successful and happy marriage.

The couple's three children are Susan, Joanne and Alan, their eight grandchildren are Nick, Ben, Jonathan, Jennifer, Alisdair, Jordan, Lewis and Fraser and they also have four great-grandchildren, Olivia, Naomé, Oliver and Kit.

Their eldest child, Susan, said: "It was wonderful to have all the family able to attend and my parents were so happy to see all of the people they care about at the same table.

"My parents used to have whoever was available every second Sunday for a family meal but in the last year or so it had been impossible to do with everyone all over the country, so it was so special for us all."