BEV Ward swapped Bury black pudding for savoury sushi when she came face-to-face with her Japanese penpal - for the first time in 22 years.

Fumiko Tarasawa (pictured with Bev) and her sister Junko from Sendia in Japan, joined Bev at her home in Fieldhead Avenue, Elton, for a two-day stay.

Bev (38), an administrator for the Kids Club Network, started writing to Fumiko at the age of 16, after getting her name and address through a school penpal magazine.

Over the years the couple have written almost 1,000 letters, exchanging news about school, work, marriage and children.

But this year Fumiko decided to meet her English friend, so leaving behind the hi-tech, high-rises of Japan, she set off on the 6,000 mile trip to the green fields of England.

Said Bev, who greeted her penpal at Manchester's Piccadilly Station: "It was quite emotional and a bit strange when I first spotted Fumiko at the station - like meeting a long lost friend. But she was just what I expected. She was wonderful."

She said: "They were really lovely people and the whole family enjoyed their company very much.

"We've talked about so much over the years through letters, it was great to actually talk in person."

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