WHEN they got married in 1966 their union was all over the newspapers.

Ian and Sheena (nee Masson) Fraser met by chance more than 50 years ago in Tullibody.

He was a drummer in a rock band and she was part of an up-and-coming group called The Bawbees.

According to Sheena, when she saw him walking through the door she thought 'that's the one' and the rest, as they say, is history.

She said: "I was at the youth club in Tullibody – I was the treasurer – and in he came to play with the band. That was it – I just took one look and that was me."

The couple would go on to marry on June, 4, 1966, however their wedlock proved topical at the time.

Prior to it, during an interview with a journalist, Sheena's band mate had made a tongue in cheek vow about not getting married until the three-piece folk/pop group hit the big time.

So, when Sheena broke the so-called 'pact' it propelled the newly-weds into various newspapers – including the Daily Record – much to their surprise.

However, it turned out to be the perfect match and the Menstrie couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary over the weekend, surrounded by many loved ones.

Sheena said: "We just seemed to slot together – we get on.

"We very seldom have a fallout; a wee bit of huff now and again but it doesn't last long. We just compliment each other."

For Ian, 76, and Sheena, 69, family is at the heart and they have two daughters, Susan and Linda, and three grandchildren Sandy, Kate and Meg.

Ian, who was born in Stirling, spent his working years as a joiner while Sheena, from Tullibody, held a variety of roles, which included 18 years with Women's Aid.

And although Sheena gave up music a while ago, saying she isn't very musical, Ian's love of the drums has remained.

Having been in a number of bands since picking up sticks at 17, when recovering from polio, he now plays with the Wee County Steel Band.

As for the secret to a long and happy marriage, Sheena advises to chose well and marry for the right reasons.

She said: "... Don't get married because your pals are getting married, or you're 'getting on a bit' and think you should be married, nothing like that. 

"When you know that that's the one, marry them. If you have got the slightest doubts at all, don't."