SHE has lived through a world war and watched the world change over nine decades - but 93-year-old Nola Billitt experienced a first today when FIVE generations of her family united.

Ely Standard: Nola with her great-great-grandson Jacob. Picture: STEVE WILLIAMSNola with her great-great-grandson Jacob. Picture: STEVE WILLIAMS (Image: Archant)

The lifelong March resident was joined by her daughter Jane Bowgen, 69, granddaughter Justine Adams, 40, great-grandson Michael Adams, 21, and great-great-grandson Jacob Adams, aged just 10 months.

It was the first time that the family’s five generations had got together and relatives travelled from as far away as Switzerland to pose for pictures in Nola’s Fenland home.

Jane, who travelled from her home in Yorkshire, said: “I think it’s pretty rare to see five generations of the same family together these days. We’ve certainly never had it before!

“My daughter came from Switzerland and the rest of us have come from Yorkshire. Mum was born and bred in March and has lived here all her life.

“It’s amazing to think that this is the first time we have all been together in the same place.”

Nola said: “It has been lovely because it’s not often I get to see all my family together. This is what it’s all about.”

Nola, whose maiden name was Palmer, has three other children.

Jane added: “She (Nola) is thrilled to bits because she loves her family.

“She’s a very young 93-year-old, she’s not a creepy old lady! She had her make-up on and was very excited!”