THE MAN who opened Bromsgrove College of Further Education and served as its principal for 27 years, has celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary.

As well as running the college from 1947 to 1976 Maurice Ross also acted as adviser in technical education for the World Bank and UNESCO (United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), advising governments in Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic.

In 1966 he was awarded the OBE for services to education.

Mr Ross, aged 94, and his wife Betty, aged 86 - who now live in Pitlochry in Perthshire - still remain very active.

"My father walks two miles every day and stares at the internet at his stocks and shares," said daughter Frances Hurdman.

"My mother is also a very keen and knowledgeable gardener and an accomplished photographer.

"Their garden is something of showpiece in Pitlochry."

"The recipe for the success of their marriage probably has to be keeping up the romance and forgiving each other's short comings."

Both Londoners, the couple met and wed in the capital.

"The story goes that she was a top model and he had a red MG and that was the attraction," Mrs Hurdman said.

"They are still a very glamorous couple."

The couple have three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.