SISTERS Annie Troth and Gladys Westhead had not seen each other for more than 71 years until a story in your No1 community newspaper, the Advertiser/Messenger, reunited them three years ago.

But, on Saturday it was reunion time all over again when they met in Bromsgrove for a big surprise party for 74 guests organised by their family to celebrate their respective birthdays.

It was held at Annie's home at Gilbert Court, Charford.

Annie was 90 the previous day and Gladys, who lives near Nuneaton, will be 85 this coming Saturday.

Annie's daughter-in-law Barbara Troth from Astwood Lane, Wychbold, said the sisters had lost touch over the years and were unaware the other was still alive until a story about Annie's 64th wedding anniversary to her late husband Fred, appeared in the paper.

It was spotted by a relative in Kidderminster, who put the two back in touch.

The family originated from Blackwell, but Annie has lived in among other places Barnt Green, Orchard Road, Bromsgrove, Blackwell for a second time and finally Charford.

Family members travelled from Scotland and elsewhere in Great Britain for the party which was videoed and sent to relatives in Australia.

Barbara said: "Gladys was let in on the secret as she was being driven to the party, but Annie was completely gobsmacked when we told her about it.

"It was a big success and everyone had a great time. Nobody wanted to leave at the end.

"But it's thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger that it was able to take place at all."