Two octogenarians who fell out of contact with one another almost a decade ago have been unexpectedly reunited at an afternoon tea.

Doreen Kennett, 85, and 89-year-old Iris May, were close friends before they lost contact nine years ago.

The pair bumped into each other last week at Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford’s get- together at Gravesend Library’s community room.

The venue was transformed with Christmas-themed decor and gifts for each of the 20-plus guests.

The pair first met in 1985 through their husbands, who were members of a Catholic men’s association.

Mrs Kennett said: “Meeting Iris again was such a happy coincidence. I was sitting on the opposite side of the room but didn’t even recognise her at first.

“Then I saw her properly and it just clicked. We were great friends for over 20 years and we used to travel together on holiday every year to places like Malta, France and Austria.

“We fell out of contact about nine years ago, so we’re both absolutely thrilled to have had the opportunity to get back in touch again.

“The event is lovely and it is nice to get out to meet people in the same boat as me, but it was incredible to meet Iris again after so long and it’s all thanks to Bluebird Care.”