A GROUP which strives to strengthen links with communities on both sides of the Channel has a new person in charge.

And Geoff McDonnell, who has been elected as the new Chairman of the Weymouth & Portland Louviers Society, says he wants to raise awareness of the twinning benefits between communities and get more youngsters involved.

Twinning, which was promoted after the Second World War, provides the opportunity to find out more about the daily lives of citizens in other European countries, and exchange experiences.

As well as links with the Normandy market town of Louviers, near Rouen, an association which began in 1958, Weymouth and Portland is also twinned with Holzwickede in Germany.

Mr McDonnell, who has lived and worked in Weymouth as a civil servant for most of his life, said: "My aim is to make more people aware of the benefits of twinning and how it has contributed to building a stronger and more united Europe.

"I want to encourage younger people to participate in twinning and to strengthen the already firm bonds of friendship that exist between the towns of Weymouth, Portland and Louviers."

He succeeds Cath Irving, who held the post for three years and now becomes vice chairman.

Borough mayor Christine James presided at the society’s annual general meeting in her capacity as president. She made her first visit to the twin town of Louviers in September and will welcome Francois-Xavier Priollaud, Mayor of Louviers, to Weymouth when he visits in May.

"I thought Louviers was such a pretty town and was impressed with how clean it was," said Cllr James.

"The church, a mini Notre Dame was beautiful and I thought the addition of a piece of modern architecture to the monastery, to make the new music school was a fantastic idea."

Retiring chairman Cath Irving told members the visit by the Louviers delegation last May had been a great success. She thought the highlight was the visit to Minterne House and Gardens, being welcomed by Lord Digby.

The twinning between Weymouth and Louviers began in 1958 at a special meeting of Weymouth & Melcombe Regis Borough Council at the Alexandra Gardens, during the mayoralty of Alderman Iseult Legh. Portland has been included since 1974 when the amalgamated council was inaugurated. An English delegation travels to Louviers every September and the French delegation visits Weymouth every May.

The annual subscription to join the society is £10. Enquiries about joining should be directed to secretary Pam Nicklin on 01305 771773.