Twins, 90, toast their long lives

LOOKING great . . . 90-year-old wins Gladys Stone and Beatrice Hodges raise a glass to toast their special day

SPRIGHTLY twins Beatrice Hodges and Gladys Stone raised a glass to toast their 90th birthdays on Saturday.

The sisters, now both widows, were born at Slackcote, in Delph, and were joined by family and friends at a celebration at the Roebuck in Strinesdale.

Mrs Hodges still lives in the village, but her twin Gladys married and set up home in Wellington, Shropshire.

Gladys has three children, six grandchildren and one great grand-daughter.

Mrs Hodges, who has three children, six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, is the oldest twin — by 20 minutes.

She said: “I don’t have a recipe for longevity — I just keep going.

“I still go to Delph every day shopping and get round everywhere by bus. I take an active interest in all local issues.”

Her daughter, Pat Bridgestock, who lives in Grotton, said: “Mum and Gladys are remarkable. They are both very independent and Gladys, who is a real keep-fit fanatic, came up for the party.”

Beatrice’s son, John Hodges, from Grotton, said: “We are very proud of mum and her sister. They do not see a lot of each other, but it is great they could be together to share this very important day.”