THE wheels of romance started turning when they met on a bus trip back in 1949.

It was the road to love for Denis Sweeney and Cathy Mulholland because they tied the knot six years later.

Now, six decades on, the Whitecrook couple are still going strong and celebrated their diamond anniversary with family and friends at Clydebank Bowling Club earlier this month.

Denis, 84, and Cathy, 82, are pictured toasting the special occasion with provost Douglas McAllister, who attended the party to congratulate the diamond pair.

The Sweeneys have seven children, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Daughter Catherine Sweeney said:“We had a fantastic party in Clydebank Bowling Club to celebrate the occasion, where family had travelled from Ireland, England and even America.

“They also had a visit from the provost Douglas McAllister and former provost Alistair Macdonald, who delivered the card and message from the Queen.” When Denis, who is originally from Donegal in Ireland, met Cathy he was 18-years-old and she was 16.

They were on a bus trip to Ayr when romance blossomed.

On July 2, 1955 in Our Holy Redeemer Church, Glasgow Road, the pair got married. The reception was then held later in the City Bakeries.

They lived on Glasgow Road in their first home together before moving onto King Street and then Gran Street, Whitecrook where they remain till today, 46 years later.

Denis worked in the building trade all his life and Cathy was a full-time mum to their seven children.

The pair have enjoyed holidays to Ireland together and more recently to Leicester visiting family.

Catherine added:“We are a very close family and are very proud of our parents.We’d like to thank everyone who made their night special and for all the gifts they received.”