THE mayor of Weymouth and Portland’s twin town of Louviers has called for links to be strengthened between the English and French communities.

Francois-Xavier Priollaud spoke at a welcome reception for guests from the borough arriving in Louviers.

The visit came before the atrocities in Paris earlier this month but Cath Irving, Weymouth twinning committee chairman said the words resonated in light of recent events.

Speaking after the visit, she said: “People in this country empathise with what has happened in France. Europe has to pull together, there’s no doubt it, we can’t let the terrorists win.

“All our thoughts were with the people in France after the attacks and we sent messages of condolences to them.”

Weymouth has been twinned with the market town of Louviers, near Rouen, since 1958 and a reciprocal visit is arranged every year.

This year’s delegation was led by mayor Christine James, who presented the mayor with a "friendship bubble", a hand-blown piece of glass by local artist Helen Willard.

M. Priollaud spoke of the civic music centre in Louviers and hoped to set up an exchange with some of Weymouth and Portland’s local musicians.

He also called for the twinning links, established in 1958, to be strengthened in as many ways as possible.

Mrs Irving told him: “The original intention of town twinning was to foster friendship at all levels and it is our duty to continue this with our young people.

“We are trying to encourage liaison between our primary schools and one of our senior schools has been in contact with Louviers.

“I hope we can facilitate contacts through our societies and exchange visits with other groups as well. For example, Louviers have a wonderful music school and would be delighted to host musicians, particularly young ones. Any groups who would like to visit Louviers and exchange knowledge, ideas and interests, will be welcomed.”

Around 20 members travelled by coach from Weymouth to Louviers on the annual visit. On the way, they were given a tour of the town and castle of Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror.

A group from Louviers will visit Weymouth in early May 2016.