Fifty years ago John and Audrey Turton caused family uproar when they took the high road and eloped to Scotland to tie the knot.
 The happy couple, then 18-years-old, fled north of the border to marry after their parents refused to give them permission because they were too young. The couple skipped the country and hot-footed it to Lockerbie, making front page news in the process. The love-struck pair had stuck a pin a map of Scotland to decide where they would spend their big day. But just as they were about to tie the knot, their parents realised how serious they were and dashed north to join the celebrations. Fifty years on, the couple have three children, three grandchildren - and celebrated their golden anniversary on March 11. Youngest daughter Abi Calleja, 33, from Yardley, says the couple are an inspiration after staying together despite several tragedies. The couple lost one baby in pregancy and then lost their diabetic son Jonathan after he contracted measles at five-years-old. John also suffered a stroke at the age of 47 and Audrey was diagnosed with cancer two years ago but has since been given the all clear. She said: "Some couples would have split up or given up with what they have been through but they haven't. They are so kind and generous and once they had brought up their kids, they then cared for their parents. "You can be quite cynical of marriage these days but they are a great example of a happy marriage." The couple, who are originally from Yardley, Birmingham, now live in the town of Dyfsryn Ardudwy in Wales but celebrated their big day with a meal for family and friends in Solihull. Audrey, 68, said: "Our parents didn't wan't us to get married but we wanted to do it before John went off to serve in the Royal Navy. "We didn't want to go to Gretna because everyone was doing that so we stuck a pin in a map and decided on Lockerbie. "I would do the same again. John and I do absolutely everything together, we are never apart, some people think that is a bit strange but it is the way we are." | 
