A SMITTEN Johnstone couple have proved that love has no expiry date...by renewing their wedding vows more than half a century after tying the knot.

Richard and Libby Houston got married on October 1, 1966, in the hall at St Aidan’s Church, as work was being carried out on the chapel building at the time.

And, 51 years later, the sweethearts invited friends and family to join them for a special ceremony at Cochrane Care Home, in Quarrelton Road, as they renewed their vows.

The couple, both 73, lived in Johnstone Castle for many years but Richard is now a resident at the care home, while Libby stays in Ramsay Place.

She told The Gazette: “I had been saying to my husband for a while that I would like to renew my wedding vows.

“Richard has had a few scares and has been in hospital with a heart attack and pneumonia.

“It made me realise that life is too short, so I decided that we should renew our vows and my son helped me sort it.

“The staff at the care home where Richard is looked after were delighted to help. Everyone has been so kind.”

The couple first met at Richard’s brother’s wedding 53 years ago.

At the time, Richard was an apprentice welder, while Libby worked at the Coats thread mill, in Paisley.

They got talking and, not long after, bumped into each other while Libby was walking home one night.

For their first date, they headed to a Glasgow cinema.

Five decades later, the couple are proud parents to three sons – Steven, 50, Kevin, 49, and 44-year-old Thomas.

They also have two grandchildren and one great-grandchild to dote on.

Libby said: “I haven’t got a magic answer about the secret to a long marriage but I love everything about Richard. He is my rock.

“We have had our ups and downs over the years but it is important to never be afraid to say sorry.

“Life is too short for fighting and arguing.”