A DUMBARTON couple recently celebrated 50 years together, receiving a visit from Provost John Millar.

Henry and Margaret Nicol, of 24 Lorraine Way, Dumbarton, met at a local dance hall and following a time of courtship were married at Our Lady and St Marks Church in Alexandria on October 1, 1966. Henry always says there were two disasters that year - getting married and England winning the World Cup!

Originally from Dumbarton, Henry worked in Coulport as a scaffolder for many years, then spent ten years aboard ships as a member of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. It was during his time there that he was nominated for an MBE by his peers, which he duly received at Buckingham Palace. Returning home he spent five more years working for the government as a member of the Guard Service with Faslane before retiring in August 2013.

Margaret, originally from Alexandria, was an Auxiliary Nurse at the VOL hospital for 30 years where she was much loved by everyone in the community, always going the extra mile. She retried in 2012 but at 70 still cares for a special needs child twice a week.

They have two sons, John Paul and David. David is married to Arleen and John Paul is married to Julie. They have one granddaughter, Sophie, whom they adore and spend a lot of time with.

As well as having a love for bowls, the couple also like to travel, spending a lot of time abroad. Their son, John Paul, said: "I can honestly say they are fantastic people in their own right and as a couple. I don't know of anyone, young people and old alike who have a bad word to say of them, everyone is always asking for them both.

"They are an inspiration and have served our local community greatly through employment and socially helping young people and many more alike.”