A GROUP of Glasgow pensioners with a combined age of more than 800 years attended a special lunch to commemorate the start of the First World War.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty joined the eight city residents who were all born before or during the Great War for the event in the Tearoom at the Botanics.

Among them was 104-year-old Margaret Miller, a former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist and recipient of the Editor's Award.

She was joined by Catherine Cairns, 101, from Drumchapel, Christine Appleby, 101, from Yoker, Eugenie Tough, 101, from Carntyne and Agnes Westwood, 100, from Barlanark.

Also attending was Helen Irvine, 99, from Shettleston, Alexandrina Anderson, 99, from Carntyne, and Leslie Dawes, 99, from Crookston.

The guests all still live at home and receive care services from Cordia, the city council's arms-length external organisation.

The event was one of the projects to be undertaken by Cordia and other city organisations to help commemorate the centenary of the start of the Great War.

Mrs Miller, who has been a volunteer with the Women's Voluntary Service, which became the WRVS, since 1939, set up the Lightburn Harmony Club for stroke sufferers in 1974 and it still runs today.

She arrived with her Cordia home carer Margaret McMillan and daughter Jean Miller.

She said: "I've had such a great day. It was really nice of Cordia to arrange the day and for the Lord Provost to come along and speak to us.

"It was a nice surprise to be taken out and treated and to meet the other pensioners."

The group was welcomed with a sherry or whisky before being offered sandwiches, cakes and scones.

Entertainment was provided by singer Lindsay Harrison.

Ms Docherty said: "It was a great honour to be invited to attend the commemorative lunch.

"The gathering of this special group of people allowed for a unique opportunity to reflect on the Great War and the bravery of the men and women from our city whose sacrifices allow us the freedoms we enjoy today.

"There are many events taking place over the next four years to mark this important part of our history."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk