THREE children from the same family who were born on the same day have grown up "more like triplets than cousins" because of their close bond.

Sharing the same birthday has created a 'special' relationship between Molly, Charlie and Megan Longworth, who are 10 today.

They were due to be born almost a month apart but Megan arrived 10 days late and twins Molly and Charlie came 10 days early.

They were all born within hours of each other on August 14, 1997, at the former Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

Megan, of Hendry Lane, Blackburn, said: "They are better than friends, Molly and Charlie.

"We are more like triplets than cousins.

"It is really different that we have the same birthdays, it's very rare.

"This is the first time I have seen them for a week but we usually see each other at least once a week."

Megan, Angela Longworth's daughter, was born late and Tammy Longworth's twins, Molly and Charlie, decided to arrive early.

In a twist of fate both dads had been in the wrong rooms at the time - Megan's dad, Lee, 38, saw the twins first and Molly and his brother, Charlie's dad, Craig, 34, met Megan before his own children.

Molly and Charlie, both of Oakdale Estate, Blackburn, and Megan, have been inseparable since.

Their gran Sandra Longworth, 60, said the family was excited now they were getting into double figures.

But they won't be holding a joint party - they plan to join each other's parties in their homes.

Angela, 38, said: "They are close, Molly and Megan dance together and they share an interest in football with Charlie.

"They are more like brothers and sisters."

Tammy, 30, said: "It has made a special bond."

Sandra, of Elker Lane, Billington, said: "When they were born I went from one grandchild to three others in a day. It was overwhelming.

"And now we are very excited they are getting into double figures. August is a very expensive month but it's well worth it."