FORTY four years ago a Newport woman began writing to an American penpal - little realising how many parallels there would be in their lives.

And now Margaret Guidry, 55, of New Orleans, is visiting penpal Margaret Palmer, 56, of Mill Heath, to mark the 20th anniversary of the first time they came face to face.

"There are still arguments as to who picked who as a penpal, but we have been very good friends ever since," said Mrs Palmer.

"I remember our first meeting so clearly. I went to meet her at the train station and I was very nervous - I didn't know what to expect."

Mrs Guidry felt the same as she arrived in Newport to see her penpal. She said: "I was worried because I didn't know if we were going to like each other."

Now the women describe their relationship as being "just like sisters". The pair have a lifetime of stories to tell and amazing coincidences since they became penpals through a school scheme.

"It really is strange how many coincidences we have in our lives. We share the same first name, age, we think alike and we both have a daughter the same age and grandchildren the same ages," said Mrs Palmer.

"Once we even dyed our hair blonde at the same time, not knowing!" she added.

Mrs Guidry has visited Wales many times through the years, and Mrs Palmer has visited the USA.

"I love Newport, it has so much history and it's relaxing," said Mrs Guidry. The friends have even appeared in a local paper in New Orleans, and were asked to appear on a US TV show.

"We didn't get to go on television because we were due to come home, but I don't regret it," said Mrs Palmer.

"When I think of how it could have been if we happened to choose other penpals, it's weird - we were meant to be friends and it does feel like we are a family. I love Margaret to bits," said Mrs Guidry.

Mrs Guidry and her husband, Leon, 56, fly back to the States in early September.