DORCHESTER’S Bayeux Society will welcome 54 visitors from Bayeux next month as part of the bi-annual twinning event between the two towns.

As part of the event, 29 local families will host the visitors, and a programme of events has been scheduled which includes a number of events centred in Dorchester.

Society chairman Anthony Thorpe said he chose to focus some of the itinerary on Dorchester to emphasise the history and heritage on their doorstep. He said: “Instead of taking our visitors on an extended coach ride around Dorset and sometimes neighbouring counties as well, this year we have arranged for a number of Dorchester-based events. “We aim that this will benefit local retailers, as well as giving everyone a good insight into a thriving Dorchester.”

Dorchester and Bayeux were twinned in 1959, when the society was founded, because the Dorset regiment were the first soldiers to enter the town at the end of the Second World War.

Some of the Dorchester-based activities include visit to The Keep military museum, walking tours of Dorchester and Poundbury, a guided tour of the County Museum and a demonstration of Dorset Button Making.

Mr Thorpe said the society is also asking Dorchester-based businesses to get involved in the event, either by hosting events or arranging window displays to their specification which would include a dual-language banner from the society welcoming their French visitors.

The visit takes place from September 12 to 16. For more information or to support the event, contact Anthony Thorpe on 01305 852640.