A FORMER Peebles painter has made a great success of his new life in Australia where his customers have included pop icon Kylie Minogue.

But Roy Kilner and his wife Joyce are determined that they will never forget their roots.

This week the couple travelled more than 10,500 miles from their home in Melbourne back to Peebles to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in the town where they were married.

They left the Borders for a new life in Australia 26 years ago but have maintained a strong attachment with Peebles.

The couple have kept abreast of local happenings with a special delivery of the Peeblesshire News from former newsagent’s Whitie’s until they were able to access the paper online.

Roy learned his trade in Peebles and it has helped him gain work for the stars - as well as painting Kylie’s house he was also employed by a member of the rock band Crowded House.

“Roy, Joyce and their family have a very happy and successful life in Australia. Roy has continued to make a success of his painting and decorating business business with the help of son Owen,” said Joyce’s sister Michelle Aitken.

“It all started when he was skilfully trained by local painters, Ian Thorburn and son. Roy and Joyce still hold Peebles very close to their heart and they wanted to come home to celebrate their pearl anniversary.

“They were flying over this week and when they see the story about themselves in the Peeblesshire News it will be a wonderful surprise for them. They are so patriotic they have named their home 'Neidpath’ and decorated the floor of their swimming pool with a saltire flag.

“They have not been back much over the years but Roy did return a few years ago to see a big football match as he is a staunch Celtic fan.” Roy, 52, and 49-year-old Joyce were married in the Old Parish Church on July 25, 1985 and had their reception in the Hydro. Their first son, Owen, was born in 1987 and their other children, Liam and Alanah, were born in Australia.

“It was a very courageous and adventurous move for them, especially as their first-born son was only 18 months old at the time,” said Michelle.