THEIR first date took them on a lovely stroll around the Pleasure Grounds in Alloa, 65 years later and still together a Sauchie couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

The town's Ronald and Ellen Bingham, both 82, marked the occasion last Thursday, June 22, with family visiting from as far afield as New Zealand.

Born and bred in Sauchie, Ellen, nee Blackburn, worked as a librarian in Alloa with Clackmannanshire Council for many years.

It was when Ronald, a TV engineer from Stirling, would go into the library at lunchtime that they met and a few years later, the couple tied the knot at Sauchie Parish Church on a warm but breezy day.

Ellen jokingly reminisced saying: “My grandfather forgot his cap, we were getting our photos taken and he came charging through to go and get his cap.”

Following the ceremony, the reception was held at Sauchie Hall

They have two sons, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Ronald said they had their ups and downs “same as everybody else”, adding that “you can't have one without the other”, while Ellen said the secret is to “give and take”.

To celebrate, they enjoyed a family meal on Saturday and the congregation at Sauchie and Fishcross United Free Church were also planning an event for Monday evening.