LONG-LOST childhood pals Paula Freza and Frances Chelton had more than 20 years to catch up on last night when they got together for a special birthday bash.

Paula asked the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to help reunite the pair in time for her 30th birthday.

Frances saw the appeal and surprised her old playmate with a telephone call from her home in Hodder Grove, Darwen, the same night.

They were both just seven years old the last time they were together - when their mothers worked together. The girls lived round the corner from each other for three years until the Paula's family moved away.

Paula, who lives with her husband Bill in Greenway Street, Darwen, said: "I was speechless when she first called me and it was lovely to have her at my party. As it turned out she had been living in Germany but had settled back in Darwen.

"I surprised her with a bouquet of flowers and would like to thank the Telegraph for helping reunite us after all these years."

The party was held at Hollins Grove Conservative Club, Darwen.

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