TWO brothers born on the same day four years apart met up with each other on their shared birthday - in the local accident and emergency department.

Gareth Barnes went to the A&E department of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on the day of his 27th birthday after suffering a groin strain playing football.

But while he waited to be seen by a doctor, he was stunned to see his older brother Simon, who turned 31 on the same day, turn up with a badly cut thumb.

Their mum, Anita Barnes, said: "Apparently when Simon came in and gave his name and date of birth to the receptionist, she gave him a funny look.

"He then looked at the waiting list and saw that his brother, who has the same surname and date of birth, was the last name on there.

"They couldn't believe they were both sitting there in A&E on their birthdays, and neither could we when we heard about it. It's one of those one-in-a-million chances."

Simon, a roofer who lives in Cornish Gardens, Slades Farm, needed 10 stitches in his thumb and is now back at work. And painter-and-decorator Gareth, who lives in Pine Road, Winton, is recovering from his sporting injury.

But their birthday celebrations planned for Wednesday night will now take place when both are fully recovered.

"It ruined the night," said Mrs Barnes.

"One of them couldn't pick anything up and the other could hardly walk. What a pair!"

first published: May 13