LONG lost friends in Trafford have rekindled their friendship after more than 40 years apart.

Rob Todhunter and Janet Judkins, nee Green, met in 1959 at the age of 11 as first years at Urmston Grammar School.

They became firm friends over the next couple of years until the school got overcrowded and it was decided that the boys should move to a boys-only school and the pair lost touch.

Over time Rob met his wife Sue and they married in 1971, they live in Sale and had two children and now have four grandchildren. He became a successful business man and started up his own company.

Janet, from Urmston, met her husband Keith, and coincidentally they too married in the same year.

Janet worked in the media, originally at the Guardian Newspaper and then went on to work as an account director with a large advertising agency in Manchester.

Both Rob and Janet are now retired.

Around 15 years ago the two friends were amazed to come across each other as members of Davyhulme Park Golf Club. Rob was about to become captain, Keith as chairman of Handicaps and Sue and Janet both members in the ladies section.

Janet said: "It was instant recognition and lovely to see him."

Although they don't see each other often, this year, they both celebrated their 70th birthday, and for the occasion they both went to Spain.

They met up on the day to mark their birthday and had a special Sunday lunch at the five-star hotel, El Oceano in Calahonda.

They went with six friends, Ken and Kath Leadbetter, Mike and Debbie Edmunds and Fred and Joyce, who also live in Sale.

They had a great day together and look forward to the next 70 years of friendship.