A FORMER President of the Braw Lads' Gathering had double reason for celebration on Friday.

Andrew Johnston wasn't just blowing out the candles on his 75th birthday cake, but the father of two was also toasting 50 years of marriage to Audrey Aitken.

The Golden anniversary couple met and grew closer in their hometown of Peebles.

And on July 5, 1969 they said 'I do' in the town's Parish Church.

The happy couple moved to Galashiels in the years after their wedding, raising two sons, Douglas and Colin.

Andrew worked as a telephonist at both the Peel and Borders General hospitals, while Audrey spent most of her working life as a carer and home help.

On Friday evening at Quins in Galashiels they were joined by friends and family, including grandchildren Matthew, Lucy, Emma and Chloe for a double celebration.