by Hayley Robinson

A man's last request has seen one family gathering for a party every Christmas for the last 40 years.

Bernard Cork was asked by his father Walter to make sure the family remained close after his death.

The 85-year-old Teynham resident passed away in October 1970 and Bernard and his 13 siblings made sure they didn't let him down.

Mr Cork said: "We had a meeting and decided the best way to achieve this was to hold a party and what better time to hold a party than Christmas."

The first was held at Teynham Labour Hall, Station Road, in 1971, and attended by about 40 people.

But as the family grew over the years so did the festive knees-up.

This year's party, which was held at Teynham Village Hall, Belle Friday Close, last weekend, attracted 130 family members.

The eldest was Bernard's brother-in-law, 95-year-old Charlie Knell, from Teynham.

The youngest was two-year-old Alfie, from Sittingbourne, who is the great-grandchild of Bernard's sister Rita.

Most of the family members still live in Kent but some travel from across the world to make the gathering.

The 80-year-old, of Cellar Hill, Lynsted, said: "This year my nephew Paul from New Zealand came over. We said he had to be Father Christmas – we have one every year but the children don't know who's dressed up. We told him he wasn't to say a word as they'd know he wasn't English, so he just said 'Ho Ho Ho!'"

Fundraising events pay for the get-together. Games are laid on for the young and the old as well as a raffle and a disco and everyone is asked to bring a plate of food and drinks on the night.

Before the celebrations get under way, everyone talks to each other in a bid to find out who's who.

Mr Cork added: "The night goes so quickly and it's hard to get people out of the hall – they want to keep talking and reminiscing.

"We're proud of our achievement and I think my father would be proud too. I hope it will go on for many years."