A RETIRED Inverclyde driving examiner passed his own test as he celebrated his Diamond Wedding.

Expert motorist Eddie Purves took all the right turns when he met, married and spent the rest of his life with his wife Moira.

The diamond couple arrived at their destination in the Tontine Hotel to celebrate the very special anniversary.

Surrounded by family and friends they toasted a 60-year journey on a road blessed with countless happy memories along the way.

Sharing the secrets to a long and happy union former instructor Eddie, 83, said: "Always talk to one another and get on with each other.

"It is important to do things you enjoy together."

Mr and Mrs Purves have certainly put that into practice, as they spent many happy times on holiday in their touring caravan with all their family.

Eddie still drives as he regularly heads off with Moira, 80, for their favourite spots like Killin and he also sets sail in his own boat which is berthed at the Kip Marina.

The happy couple are devoted to their family including their two daughters, two sons, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The couple, both from Fife, were married on 19 September 1959 in St Adrian's Church, Anstruther.

Sixty years later it was to the Kingdom they returned, to begin their anniversary celebrations.

Their family arranged a surprise break away, in the first house they stayed in together, which is now a holiday home.

Daughter Carine, who lives in Newark Street with her husband Alasdair Hendry, a local solicitor, said: "It was a lovely surprise for them.

"We even managed to track down my mum's bridesmaid, her cousin, to come along for the weekend as well.

"We finished off with a lovely celebration in the Tontine.

"They had a lovely time and received a telegram from the Queen as well."

Eddie and Moira, who now live in Bishopton, moved west to put roots down in Inverclyde in the 1960s.

They brought up their family, Sheila, 59, Carine, 56, Eddie, 50, and Steven, 46, living for a time in Inverkip.

For many years Eddie worked as the driving examiner based in the former test centre in Union Street and he later covered the area in a promoted role.