THEIR romance had all started on top a double decker and more than 60 years later they are still together.

Tullibody's John and Rena Starkey tied the knot on a scorching hot day at Coalsnaughton Parish Church 60 years ago on June 15 and marked their diamond wedding anniversary with a “lovely” meal and good company at The Hollybank in Stirling.

Their first date was to Kincardine Gala, which was fittingly held last weekend as well, after they had been seeing each other on the bus to college each week for years.

Rena reminisced saying: “He was going to Falkirk, I was going on to Grangemouth and that's where we first met – on the top of a double decker.”

Following the wedding ceremony, the freshly married couple enjoyed a trip to Aberdeen for their honeymoon and lived in Devonside before moving to their Tullibody home where they have been living ever since.

A native of the town, 83-year-old John worked as a decorator with Clackmannanshire Council for four decades.

Born in Tillicoultry, 81-year-old Rena – officially Catherine – stayed in Coalsnaughton and also worked for the local authority, spending most of her 35-year career at Abercromby Nursery.

The diamond couple have two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, including three adopted youngsters.

Their best memories together include their holidays – they travelled all over Europe over the years including a number of trips to various parts of Germany.

Rena told the Advertiser she believes the secret to a long lasting marriage is “respect”.

On the day of their anniversary, the couple, who said they have been very fortunate to have the company of each other all this time, enjoyed a visit from the Wee County's Provost Tina Murphy, whom they knew well, as well as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant John Spruce.

They also received a card, congratulating them on reaching the milestone, from Her Majesty the Queen.