Twins still inseparable after 80 years

For eight decades, identical twins Rita Daly and Brigid Barnett have done everything together – and the inseparable pair still work behind the counter of their florist shop today.

Despite just marking their 80th birthdays together, they have no plans to give up their work just yet.

Brigid and Rita were born in Belfast on August 28, 1932, but moved to the Black Country 50 years ago.

Brigid, of Wednesfield, initially worked as a nurse at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Rita, who lives a few miles away from her twin in Tudor Road, became a florist and the pair now work together at Bernadette's Flower Shop in Church Street, Wednesfield, which has been owned by Rita for 30 years.

Brigid's eldest daughter Bernadette Lunn – after whom the shop was named – said the pair still caused a stir among customers.

"When Aunt Rita is down at Wednesfield Market, people come into the store and do a double take," said the 54-year-old mother-of-one.

"Even though my mother dies her hair brown people still get them confused and are baffled how they seem to be in two places at once. A lot of customers can't believe they're still going at their age – but they just love it. We can't get them to retire. They are loads of fun, just great characters."

The family marked the birthday with a party at the Emerald Social Club in Cross Street North, Wolverhampton.

Between them, Brigid and Rita have nine children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Brigid is married to Brian and has four daughters – Bernadette, Juliet, Ellen and Rita. Rita, whose husband Francie is now dead, has five children – Michelle, Mary, Robert, Rita and Frankie.