A ROMANTIC Greenock couple are giving lessons in true love after spending their 65th Valentine's Day together in a Greenock care home.

Childhood sweethearts Jim and Anne Nichols, aged 86 and 85, first found love at a hospital bedside - and they have been together ever since.

When they were teenagers Anne fell ill with tuberculosis and spent a year in the old Gateside Hospital.

Every single day Jim would visit her, standing outside her window.

The lovestruck young man even managed to sneak in by pretending to be a member of a local band.

It was while Anne was still recovering in hospital that James proposed to her, and the couple married in June 1955.

On Sunday the Kincaid House residents spent the day as they always do, holding hands.

Kincaid House manager Lesley Black said: “Jim and Anne live on separate floors of our home, but every day Jim goes downstairs to visit Anne and greets her with a big kiss.

"Anne completely lights up when she sees him.

"They spend their visits holding hands and simply enjoying each other’s company.

“Jim always has and still does anything for Anne – he has always been very affectionate towards her.

"After all these years, they are still completely devoted to each other and you can really see and feel the love they have for each other.

"It’s infectious and brings such a lot of warmth to Kincaid House.

"It’s an example of true love.”

Anne says she was first attracted to Jim's great sense of humour and good looks and the couple remain besotted.

The Nichols are devoted to their family having been blessed with four daughters, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, with one more on the way.

To celebrate their 65 year milestone Kincaid House, which is run by Meallmore, laid on a special Valentine's Day meal for all the residents.