A GREENOCK couple set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary are a shining example of what makes a happy marriage.

Isabel and Andrew Lansdowne tied the knot on May 12 in 1961 after being introduced to one another through friends.

The milestone is an extra special moment for the family, as 86-year-old great-grandfather Andrew is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

Andrew was gravely ill this time last year, so the couple are looking forward to celebrating with family.

Isabel told the Tele: "Andrew and I met when we were set up by friends and we got engaged then married quite quickly afterwards.

"We stayed in Reading and after we got married we went on day trips to London and Ascot to celebrate.

"We moved to Greenock in 1963 when Andy, who was a bricklayer to trade, couldn't get work during one of the coldest winters.

"This is our home and we've moved about over the years, but love living here."

Isabel, 81, grew up in Greenock whilst Andrew was born in the Gorbals before being evacuated to Rothesay during WW2.

Upon returning to Inverclyde, the couple went on to have six children - Andrea, Tommy, Terri, Shirley, Irene and Alison.

Over the years they have enjoyed holidays to Ireland, Cornwall and returned to Andrew's hometown of Rothesay on many occasions.

The pair say their children, 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and having two more on the way is what got them through lockdown.

Isabel, who worked as a machinist before briefly waitressing at the Tontine Hotel, told the Tele: "Our family have been absolutely brilliant this past year.

"We feel really lucky to have them all looking after us and they've all made a real effort, from helping with shopping to video calls to catch up."

Delighted to see her parents reach the milestone is Shirley Reford, who is the head coach of Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club.

She said: "My mum and dad have been wonderful parents, grandparents and great-grandparents to us all.

"It is brilliant to see them reach this milestone, especially after how worried we all were last year when my dad was very ill.

"We had hoped to plan a bigger celebration, but will just have a smaller thing with the restrictions.

"They're a fantastic couple."

When asked about the secret to 60-years of marriage, Isabel added: "We're both always right and like anything else marriage is a contract of copromise."

She joked: "The secret to it is turning off your hearing aids - I deserve a lifetime medal!"