A GOLDEN couple who have left an amazing legacy in Largs through decades of commitment to the Boys Brigade are celebrating their a personal milestone.

Jim and Bridie Lamont are celebrating a landmark anniversary after tying the knot 50 years ago this week.

The well-known local couple were married in the St Mary's Star of the Sea Church on 8 August 1970, followed by a reception in the Fairlieburne Hotel for family and friends.

Jim served his apprenticeship in Mackies the Blacksmith in Boyd Street before leaving to work at Hunterston Power Station until he retired six years ago.

Bridie worked in the accountancy department at ICI in Stevenston and later became a childminder and lunchtime supervisor in St Mary's Primary.

Both are well known in Largs after a remarkable 30 years service to the 1st Largs Boys Brigade before retiring from their role last year.

They have two sons, Paul and Derek, daughters-in-law Sarah and Michelle and three grandchildren, Evie, Max and Luke.

The Lamonts devoted countless hours to the local Boys Brigade branch for over 30 years.

Jim was captain and Bridie officer in charge of the younger age group sections.

They have worked with thousands of youngsters over the years, supporting them, developing their team-working skills, encouraging them to work within the local community and building their sense of achievement and self-esteem.

Their dedication saw them named as Largs Citizens of the Year, as well as scooping top honours at the North Ayrshire Civic Pride Awards.

Appropriately, when the captains stood down after a sterling 30 years of service and were given a huge send-off by an army of well-wishers at a packed out Barrfields Theatre.

Jim said: "It was absolutely brilliant to receive the guard of honour and we received messages of congratulations from all over the place, even as far as Australia.

Bridie added: “It was always lovely to see a boy receiving his Queen’s Badge as a 17-year-old, having watched him grow up and come through the ranks.”

The Lamonts experienced this with their own two sons who were Queen’s Badge recipients as teenagers in the Largs BB company.

The couple say that, having offered to help out in the background of the Boys Brigade after leaving, they are now hoping to 'slow down a bit more, if that is possible!'