IT ALL began as a cheeky joke between friends in 1978.

In her early 40s Jackie Watson decided to play a trick on June Monaghan. Instead of writing a new Christmas card, she popped the one she had received from June the year before back in the post with an added note inside. 

“Couldn't afford new cards this year,” it said. 

June rang her up the next day to reprimand her for being cheeky, chuckling all the while, and so a quirky tradition began.

The pals, both now 79, believe they may be the only people in the country, or even the world, who have sent the exact same Christmas card back and forth to each other every festive season for 36 years. 

The snow scene of a dog with a robin perched on its head has stood the test of time - as has their friendship.

The card is a little worn and creased but it is full to the brim with well wishes from each year.

It is so packed with greetings the chums have taken to piling on post-it notes to fit in the new festive message as they continue their custom. 

Mrs Watson, of Peacehaven, said: “It was just a silly joke on a simple card. We like a laugh, we know each other so well. It is now part of Christmas in our families.

All our relatives want to know who's got the card that year and what's been written inside. We always post it even though we don't live too far from each other and luckily it's never been lost in transit.

“We wonder if we are the only people in the country or the world to do and also if the length of time is a record.”

In 1982 June and her family said: “Where has this year gone?!” 

Jackie replied in 1987: “After this year, what can I say!”

Their shock at the card lasting so long was clear in 1992 when Jackie said: “Who would have believed '92?!”

A rather mysterious note in 1994 was just signed “You'll never guess who.”

Other messages wonder if the card will make it to the next year and joke about being “poor old pensioners.”

THE SAME SENSE OF HUMOUR

The duo met as 25-year-olds working as operators at the BT telephone exchange in North Road, Brighton, in the 1960s.

The pair have been thick as thieves for the nearly 55 years since. They were neighbours in Hollingdean and would travel to work together, some of their children went to the same schools and they shared holidays. They still catch up regularly for lunch. 

June Monaghan, of Lancing, said: “We've always been good friends and share the same sense of humour, we've travelled round the world together. This is something we laugh about every year.”