WHEN a frightened seven-year-old was evacuated from her London home to live in the country during the Second World War, little did she realise it would lead to a lifetime of friendship.

The bond that Doris Daugh, nee Thorogood, now 73, formed with her new family was cemented when she flew back to the UK from her home in America to celebrate the 80th birthday of her "sister", Gwen Thomas on Sunday.

Doris and Gwen, then 14, became firm friends and Doris ended up staying with the family at their home in Street, Somerset, for a further 14 years before moving to America to set up a new home in Chicago.

The girls have seen each other just once, 30 years ago, when Doris returned to the UK to visit Gwen and her family, who moved to Stokewood Road, Bournemouth, 46 years ago when her son Guy was born.

But they stayed in touch by writing letters and Gwen admitted it was very emotional when the pair met up again when Doris arrived last Friday.

She said: "I cried, it was so emotional. As soon as we saw each other we clicked. There was just a family feeling with us because she was like one of the family - she was like my sister - and I had a feeling I was going to have a wonderful birthday."

The celebrations took place at the Liston Hotel in Boscombe on Sunday evening and Gwen's own family flew in from as far afield as Ireland and Spain to join her for the special day.

Gwen, who lived with her husband Morcom until he died 15 years ago, said: "It was all long dresses - no trousers for the girls, it was strictly evening dress.

"We had a magician and singers and dancing and we had pink and white balloons and a buffet."

First published: September 24