ANGLO-FRENCH relations are set to be strengthened this weekend as Weymouth and Portland welcomes its cousins from across the Channel.

Celebrating 57 years of the twinning between the borough of Weymouth and the market town of Louviers, 45 Frenchmen and women will travel to Dorset today for the annual exchange visit.

They will be led by Councillor Christian Wuilque who is the briefholder for international relations on Louviers Town Council – which came to power after last year’s elections. Mayor of Louviers Francois-Xavier Priollaud is unable to attend, as is First Deputy Mayor Anne Terlez.

M. Wuilque will be greeted by Cllr Christine James in one of the first events as new Mayor of Weymouth and Portland.

Weymouth & Portland-Louviers Society Chairman Cath Irving said: “We are always delighted to see our French friends in Weymouth and although we are disappointed not to welcome Francois-Xavier Priollaud or Anne Terlez, we hope Christian Wuilque will enjoy his first visit.

“Anne Terlez has made a few visits here now and Roland Lienard the past First Deputy Mayor now comes as a regular guest.

“Our ties with Louviers are very strong and we will welcome any resident of Weymouth or Portland who wishes to join our society with common interests, wishing to exchange with counterparts in Louviers.”

The visitors will be welcomed on Saturday evening at a Civic Reception at St Aldhelm’s Church Hall in Radipole, where both mayors will make speeches, as will the chairmen of the two twinning committees.

The menu reflects Dorset flavours, with a choice between steak and ale pie or pork with cider and apricots for the main. Dorset cheese and biscuits heads the dessert menu, together with banoffi pie or lemon and raspberry meringue. There is also smoked haddock mousse, served with bread and butter. WOW Youth Theatre will perform for guests afterwards.

On Sunday, the delegation will be taken to Cerne Abbas for lunch and a village, followed by a visit to Minterne House with high tea on the lawn. Lord Digby will mingle with the party and show them round his home.

The reciprocal visit to Louviers begins on September 2.