AN ALVA couple who tied the knot in Germany last week celebrated their gold wedding anniversary.

Jim and Ulli Brewster enjoyed a “first-class” evening at the Royal Oak in Alloa last week to mark five decades of marriage with family and friends in attendance.

The couple originally tied the knot in the German town of Willich on October 8 in 1971 and later moved to the Hillfoots village where they have been staying ever since.

Since then, the 50th anniversary couple have one son Robbie as well as two grandchildren.

Ulli, 70, is a native of the German town while Jim, 74, was stationed there with the British Army at the time they met all those years ago.

Upon completion of his service and back in Alva, Jim took jobs in pest control around the central Scotland area while Ulli served the community as a midwife.

According to Jim, the secret to a long-lasting marriage is to keep together but make sure everyone retains some independence and their own interests.

For husband Jim it is his fishing hobby that keeps him busy while wife Ulli enjoys classes at the gym and swimming.

Speaking of the celebrations, attended by friends from the Wee County and further afield, Jim said: “It was a lovely night in the Royal Oak.

“It was first-class.”