Glasses were raised on Saturday to a well-known Alexandria couple who have clocked up 50 years of marriage.

Lewis and Marion Stevenson were congratulated by family and friends at a golden wedding celebration in the Stables restaurant in Balloch.

And Provost William Hendrie dropped in to offer best wishes on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council.

Lewis and Marion tied the knot in St Mary's Church, Drumry, on October 7 1967.

Like many couples enjoying Glasgow's vibrant social scene in the sixties, they met at the dancing - in the Locarno ballroom, Sauchiehall Street. After their nights out, Lewis used to walk Marion home to Drumchapel and then walk home to Faifley.

However, Clydebank-born Lewis, known for his humour and quick wit, gave a different account of the first meeting.

He quipped: "We actually met in a travel agent's. Marion was booking at a holiday and she looked at me and said "I'll take him - he's my last resort!"

The couple, who live in George Street, Bonhill, say having a laugh has a helped them through their 50 years of marriage.

Asked if she appreciated Lewis's wisecracks, Marion said: "I have got to the stage I just don't listen to him - that the best thing to do."

Lewis, 70, first worked as a tailor when he left school but went on to a range of other occupations in the years to follow. He worked with the MoD at Old Kilpatrick, with Shell BP, Ineos at Finnart and he also had spells in security work and driving taxis.

Marion, 71, born in Bridgeton, was a machinist to trade and worked with several companies, including kilt and highland dress specialist Kinloch Anderson and Frank Usher, the ladies clothes manufacturer.

However, they became well known the area as owners of Marion's stores in Colquhoun Street, Dumbarton, which they ran for several years in the mid-1980s.

Lewis said he and Marion had a "can do" attitude which meant they had taken lots of opportunities which had enhanced their lives.

The happy couple were joined at Saturday's celebration by their two daughters, Deborah, engaged to fiancé Simon, and Tracy, who is married to John.

Grand children Kyle, 20, Owen, 13, and Kaelyn, 7, were also at the party to join in the celebrations.

Completing the family is the couple's shih tzu dog, Chicco, whom Lewis and Marion both adore.