THIS has to be one of the longest friendships in history.

For 93 years Mary Sage and Phyllis Holder have stayed in touch and recently they met up for the first time in six years to celebrate a rather special birthday – turning 100.

Mary, of Spring Meadow Road, Lydney, travelled to visit Phyllis who lives near Cardiff close to family.

The pair met at school in Lydney and have remained friends and kept in touch for 93 years.

Mary said: "Most friends of my age are long gone, but Phyllis and I still talk regularly on the phone. It was a joy to see her again after a gap of at least five years.

" We couldn’t stop talking! Phyllis was born on a leap year day, February 29 1916, she is 18 days older than me. We celebrated together with toasted teacakes and homemade Victoria sponge." 

Mary – who was born Mary Bullock and is in the same house where she has lived for 90 years – says she is looking forward to receiving her card from the Queen.