AN ALLOA couple who kept the family close with trips away are tomorrow set to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

Helen and Allan Bissett will be marking the 60th wedding anniversary milestone on Thursday, September 29, with a family meal at Inglewood House and a trip away after tying the knot all those years ago.

The wedding went ahead on September 29 in 1962 at St Andrews Church in Alloa with a reception at the Station Hotel before the couple hopped on the train to Whitley Bay for their honeymoon.

They met while working at Paton and Baldwin's woollen mill where Allan, born and raised in Alloa, stayed until he retired.

Helen, nee Kelly from Fallin, later left the mill to raise the family with the anniversary couple being happy parents to four children: Brian, Elaine, Alison and Jacqueline.

They also have two grandchildren in Mariessa and Rebecca.

Helen, 79, and Allan, 81, enjoyed family holidays abroad over the years, often to celebrate special occasions such as their 70th birthdays – any excuse to book a villa in sunny Spain, family mused.

And that is likely the secret to their long lasting marriage, being the centre of a close-knit family who enjoy spending time together and having a good laugh.

In a message to the happy couple, their children told the Advertiser: “There’s no greater gift than parents like you – so as you celebrate your day, we hope you know that the two of you mean more than words can say.

“With love and congratulations on your 60th wedding anniversary.”