A GROUP of women who used to work for R A Lister have reunited after almost 30 years.

Janet Slater, of Berkeley, Sandra Bourne of Dursley, Sonia Phillips of Stonehouse, and Hazel Brinkworth, of Chippenham, used to work together in the company's agricultural department, in Long Street, Dursley, in the 1970s.

However, the four friends lost touch until recently when they all met up for Mrs Slater's 50th birthday.

Mrs Slater said: "In the 1970s people used to look forward to the year 2000 with great excitement and we always said we would meet up in 2000, but because of family commitments it didn't happen. It's only recently we've met up for my 50th birthday."

Back in the day the women used to attend the firm's Christmas parties and one year the Gazette also attended and took a photograph which included three of the four friends.

As a surprise for Mrs Slater's birthday, Mrs Brinkworth contacted the newspaper and tracked down a copy of the old photograph and at Mrs Slater's celebrations a new picture was taken of the women together.

Speaking about the reunion, Mrs Slater said: "It was strange at first but after talking for a few minutes it was like being in our 20s again. It was amazing."

The four women said they have no intention of leaving it so long before they see each other again and plan to meet up in the summer.