A TULLIBODY couple who were childhood friends are set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary tomorrow.

Jim and Veronica Hislop will tomorrow, October 4, celebrate 60 years of marriage after they tied the knot at St Mungo's RC Church, Alloa in 1959.

The couple, who are 80 and 79, respectively, have both lived their whole lives in the Wee County and rode around on their bikes in the same group of friends as youngsters.

It was from there that their romance blossomed, leading to the exchanging of vows all those years ago.

From there they had two daughters, Carol and Marie, before welcoming four grandchildren into the world – Gillian, Kirsty, Greg and Rachel.

Most recently, they were given two great-grandchildren in Aiden and Jacob.

Daughter Carol told the Advertiser that after all these years of wedded bliss, their family is still their life.

She said: "They were friends when they were growing up in a group who went out on their bikes together – this was before television – and from there they just ended up together.

"My mum was born in Glasgow, but moved through when she was a baby, so both have lived their whole lives here. They both worked in the cigarette factory in Stirling, too.

"They both love playing bowls, although have slowed down a bit recently.

"Their family is their life. They try and get out with their great-grandchildren as much as they can, but it's hard with two young boys."

To celebrate the momentous occasion, the family has organised a lunch at Alloa's Inglewood House with 32 people expected to be there, with some even coming in from as far afield as Australia and Lanzarote for the celebration.

Carol has also organised their card from the Queen and noted that her theory for the longevity is their ability to have a good time.

She said: "They both have good senses of humour; you just have to keep going really."