LOVE was in the air last week as a Balloch couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Bill and Ann McDiarmid, who stay in Mossburn Avenue, were centre of attention and inundated with messages of congratulations.

Along with all the messages, the happy couple were also visited by Provost William Hendrie, who also extended his best wishes.

Bill and Ann have known each other most of their lives.

They got together in 1964, were engaged in 1966 and married on October 12 1967 at Vale of Leven Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The couple enjoyed a reception at The Balloch Hotel.

They have two children, Lesley, 47, and son Graeme, aged 43.

Whilst Bill worked at John Brown’s Engineering, Ann was at home to hold the fort and to look after the children, Lesley and Graeme – and still does.

Daughter Lesley said: “We had the most wonderful childhood and mum and dad were always there to support and encourage us.”

They have two grandchildren, Jade Devlin, aged 15 and Logan Devlin, aged 13.

Ann was instrumental in helping with babysitting when they were babies as daughter Lesley worked full time.

Ann and Bill are very active members of the Vale of Leven Baptist Church and Bill is the treasurer- and has been for many years.

In their spare time Ann loves doing the cooking and is an avid crafter, while Bill is a keen gardener.