TWO penpals met for the first time after writing to each other for more than 60 years.

Joyce Sims, 80, first wrote to Waverley Neutze of Christchurch, New Zealand in 1947 after replying to a newspaper ad for a penpal.

Now, after decades of letter-writing and parcel sending, the pair were finally able to sit down and chat in person.

Retired farmer Waverley, 78, and her daughter Karen Taylor made a special detour to Weymouth to meet Joyce during Waverley’s first visit to Britain.

Grandmother of seven, Waverley, said: “I had my first letter from Joyce when I was 17.

“I suppose we’ve written to each other two or three times a year ever since and sent each other Christmas presents.

“We’ve discussed everything over the years, from our families growing up and how our gardens are to where we’ve been on holiday.”

She added: “It was wonderful to finally meet her. We were both grinning and we gave each other a big hug.”

Joyce, who lives with her husband John in Jesty’s Avenue, was equally delighted to meet Waverley, adding: “Somebody asked me if I was going to be nervous or if it might be awkward but it wasn’t at all.

“We’ve been writing to each other for a very long time so we do know each other – we just hadn’t met before.”

She added: “I think I first chose to write to Waverley because it was a bit of a different name, not a Betty or a Jones, but I’m glad that I did.

“I never dreamed when I first wrote that we might still be in touch all these years later.”

In true British fashion, it rained during Waverley’s first visit to Weymouth, scuppering any plans the ladies had to enjoy an afternoon stroll together.

Joyce said: “If it had been a nice day I would have said let’s go for a walk on the beach or around the harbour but it can’t be helped.”

“It’s not so bad,” added Waverley. “It’s nice to be able to sit down together and just talk in person.”

Waverley’s visit to Britain was something of a surprise sprung on her by her daughter Karen.

Waverley said: “Karen and I had been talking about taking a trip up to the Sunshine coast in Australia.

“Basically Karen called me up and said: ‘we’re not doing that now – we’re going to Britain instead’.’ Karen, 53, added: “With the air miles we’ve earned for this trip, we will probably be able to get to the Sunshine coast for free now when we return.”

Waverley and her daughter travelled all around Britain, including a visit to Waverley’s granddaughter Lynne, who lives in London, before their visit to Weymouth.