Sisters enjoyed a trip down memory lane and returned for the first time to the place they were born after nearly 70 years.

Barbara Gilhooly, 68, and Vivienne Joyce, 67, both from the Colchester area, were born at Prested Hall in Feering when the venue became a maternity hospital following the end of the Second World War.

Neither sister had previously been back to the place they were born but were invited to enjoy a tour and cream tea at the venue.

Mike Cater, owner of Prested Hall, said: "We know that Prested has a rich and varied history, and that it was commissioned during the war by the Army.

"It’s wonderful to meet people who were subsequently born here and share our knowledge with them."

The sisters grew up on a farm in Easthorpe. Mrs Joyce later joined the forces at RAF Cosford before returning to live in Birch.

“Our Mother drove ambulances during the war, so we feel that is why she was able to use the facilities of Prested when it was a maternity hospital," she said.

Mrs Gilhooly, who is returning soon to celebrate her 69th birthday at Prested Hall, remembered her father telling her some small details about the venue.

“He remembered the room mother was in when he came to visit having a parquet floor, and that the delivery room was upstairs and to the left," she said.

This parquet floor remains, and on their visit the sisters spent time looking through old photographs before enjoying afternoon tea in the garden room - possibly where they were taken straight after being born.

Mr Carter and wife Celie are keen to hear from anyone who believes they've got a historic connection to Prested Hall.

Call Lindsey on 01376 573300.