Well known Largs councillor Tom Marshall and his wife Elisabethe had a surprise golden wedding celebration on Sunday.

Daughter Susan and family had painstakingly arranged the secret celebration for weeks, as a number of guests were invited to the big occasion, even including the 'News' photographer.

Tom and Elisabethe were married by John Carrick at Netherhall, Largs on 10 September 1966 - Tom was married at only 19 years of age, and Elisabethe 28.

Tom finished university in 1969 when they had their first child Susan in 1969, and their second child Catriona arrived in 1971, followed by Jonathan in 1976.

Elisabethe was brought up in Germany and came over to Scotland when the war ended with her parents and her older sister, Clare, and older brother William. They came to Glasgow before they bought a field in Skelmorlie and ran a chicken farm, which is still in the ownership of the family.

Elisabethe trained as a nurse and midwife, and supported Tom through university. Susan added: "The night before the wedding she realised that her dress was too long! My gran nearly had to take it up....all was well!"

Tom studied Mathematics and Chemistry at Glasgow University, and worked in the steel works in Invergordon for a few years.

And the family were on the move again to Jordanhill after Tom received a teaching qualification but found teaching Chemistry got his hands too messy, so he swapped to teaching Mathematics at Knightswood Academy, before moving back to Largs.

This gave them a baby sitter as Tom's mum Catherine, and Elisabethe's sister Clare Symes were always available no matter what.

Tom took a post at Largs Academy as Mathematics (Assistant Head) and retired when he was 65.

Both were very involved with scripture union, and joined other Academy teachers on summer outings with the schoolchildren - a great time was had by all!

Elisabthe trained to be a state Registered Nurse at The Western Infirmary in Glasgow, and later became the district community midwife in Largs.

She was also a night sister at Warren Park Home for Children, which enabled her to be available for her family when they finished school...including her husband!

The Marshalls went into business together and set up Haus Saron self-catering apartments which they still operate jointly. Tom is current serving as Conservative councillor in the north coast, a role also fulfilled by Elisabethe in the past.

They still keep busy with their grandchildren....Nathan is 10, Hannah just about to be 9. Last year their youngest daughter got married, so they now have another two grandchildren..Mitchell and Hanson...now totalling four.

It is perhaps no surprise though where the secret lies behind their long marriage together after both met at the Brisbane Evangelical Church in Largs many moons ago.

Susan said: "They have always had Jesus at the centre of their marriage and I guess that's what keeps couples together..can still have your ups and downs, no matter what.....so that is the secret!"