FIVE generations of one Pontypool family gathered to celebrate two birthdays, 86 years apart.

Mary Evans was joined by her three children, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren to commemorate reaching her 90th year yesterday.

While great-grandchild Millie Baxter was celebrating turning four on Sunday.

Former school cook, Mrs Evans heads an impressive line of five generations which runs to her son, Graham Evans, 69, granddaughter Stacey Burnett, 44, great-grandson Leon Burnett, 28, and great-grandson Jacob Burnett, five.

Mr Evans said: "She really is the matriarch. Her family means everything to her so she was in her element at the party with all the children around her."

Mrs Evans, who now lives with her son in Talywain, was born in Pontnewynydd and moved to Abersychan when she married her late husband, Albert.

A munitions worker during the war, she spent much of her later life working for the Talywain Old Age Pensioners' Centre and even received an award from Torfaen council for her services to the elderly.

Granddaughter Caroline Baxter, mum of birthday girl Millie, said: "Everyone had a wonderful day, especially Millie. It was great to get so many members of the family together in one room."