Married in the former St Andrew's Church in Union Street, on July 12, 1958 – now the site of a car valeting business – the two Teries have enjoyed a long and happy marriage in Hawick, which all began at a dance in the Crown Hotel.

Stu, who gave 35 years of service at Pringle, joked: "We first met at the Croon in 1956 and I think Elsie thought I was loaded."

At that time, 23-year-old Stu was working as a tuner at Wilson & Glennie's and living at Lynwood, while Elsie (nee Riddell), who was almost 21, was a typist at Lyle & Scott's and stayed in Union Street.



Two years later when they became Mr and Mrs Barker, their first home was in an attic at 57 High Street – directly opposite the former Victoria Hotel, where they had held their wedding reception. Over several years the couple were to remain at number 57, atlhough moved downstairs to two different properties, before flitting up to Branxholme Road in 1967, which has been home ever since.

A family of Stewart, David and Linda came along, and they each now have two children of their own, and live in St Albans, Lincoln and Wales respectively.

Although Stu and Elsie have opted for a quiet celebration tomorrow night and plan to see the family at a later date, Elsie's brother Walter Riddell, formerly of Hawick and now living in London, is travelling up with his wife to mark the occasion with a meal at the Buccleuch Hotel.

Elsie added: "We've no secrets to a long marriage apart from give and take, and it certainly doesn't feel like 50 years."