Dorset's biggest family celebrates birthday and anniversary

Tracy Lewis, 59, partied the night away with her 13 children, 25 grandchildren, husband, and close friends.

The event, held at the Durley Dean Hotel on Saturday, was in celebration of her upcoming 60th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary – both of which fall on December 17.

Tracy and her guests dressed their best to enjoy a disco, drinks, and a stunning two-tier cake.

Her daughters had even decorated the function room with photographs from her childhood and wedding day.

Tracy Lewis at her party (Image: Tracy Lewis)

She told the Daily Echo: “I don’t know where the day went. It was such an amazing celebration. I’m still buzzing from it all.

“I got so emotional walking in to the party, because I’m the one that has always done everything and all the parties for all my children, so it was amazing to have a day for myself.

“It was a double celebration for me. The whole place was buzzing, the disco was brilliant, and the bar was all lit up. I was just speechless.”

Tracy and her husband Pete, who lived in West Parley before moving to Ringwood, were first labelled 'Dorset's biggest family' after appearing on Channel Four show '15 Kids and Counting' a few years ago.

They now have 12 daughters and one son, and 13 granddaughters and 12 grandsons. 

The couple have always worked and say they have never had outside help with bringing up their family.

Tracy said: “Me and Pete are like a team. We met when we were 17 at the old Madisons nightclub in Bournemouth.

“We say we’re like the ‘manager and manageress of the hotel’, because we are the mum and dad, and the nan and grandad.”

Tracy works at a car dealership but says having such a big family is a “full time job” in itself.

She added: “Life brings you different things, and with the grandchildren growing up its like seeing your children growing up again.

“I’m so blessed to have so many children and grandchildren that are all healthy, because life is very precious.”