From left are: Sharon Brown, Catherine Murphy, Irene Byrne, Kerrie Murphy

THERE wasn't a dry eye in the house when a Bolton clan played the generation game for the first time in more than 20 years.

The Last Drop Village in Bromley Cross was the venue for the reunion over the weekend which saw five generations, aged from four to 82, get together for the first time.

Westhoughton great grandma Catherine Murphy, 70, said the reunion had been planned to coincide with a return trip to Bolton by relative Rhoda Dunne, who emigrated to America more than 20 years ago.

"Rhoda wanted to visit now because none of the senior members of the family are getting any younger and she wanted to see us all,' said a delighted Catherine. "There were members of the family from all over the country, including Rhoda, who now lives in Denver, Colorado.

"It was a wonderful night for everyone, it was very emotional to see so many people coming together to celebrate."

The famous five who made up the the family's historic lineage were; 82-year-old Bolton woman Irene Byrne, Mrs Murphy who is Irene's niece, Mrs Murphy's daughter Sharon Brown, 46, Sharon's daughter Kerry Murphy, 18, and Sharon's grandson Brad Brown aged four.

Catherine said based on the success of their weekend reunion, the family were hoping to keep in touch and hopefully make their get-togethers a regular affair.