TWINNING links between Weymouth and the French town of Louviers were hailed as a party from across the Channel were welcomed.

Christian Wuilque, representing Mayor Francois-Xavier Priollaud, and guests were invited to a civic reception during their visit.

“This annual meeting between our two towns and our two countries gives us all great pleasure. England and France share a common belief in justice and freedom," M Priollaud told invited guests and dignitaries.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Christine James welcomed the French delegation of 41 Frenchmen and women, to the reception, held at the Portland Masonic Centre.

She told them: “I hope you are all enjoying your stay, seeing what Weymouth has to offer.

“I enjoyed my visit to Louviers last year. I was most impressed by how clean Louviers was and by the way modern and traditional architecture is being successfully mixed.”

She added: “One idea I have brought back to Weymouth was your membership market in Louviers for clubs and organisations to recruit members – we will have one here in Weymouth as part of the Best of Dorset Show at the Pavilion on June 5 – so far 25 organisations have signed up. So thank you for that idea.”

She was accompanied by mayor-elect Richard Kosior and mayoress- elect Caroline Churchill.

Weymouth twinning committee Chairman Geoff McDonnell has taken over the leadership of the society this year.

He said: “Twinning is a force for great good, promoting friendship and understanding between our cultures and between our nations. We need twinning more than ever these days.”

Louviers twinning committee chairman Jacqueline Hamon, thanked the mayor for her warm welcome.

She said: "It is always a pleasure to meet you all in Weymouth, now in the 58th year of our twinning. You will be interested to know that in Louviers, we now have classes in English cooking. We would like to discover more sporting, singing, school and other exchanges to further enjoy the twinning.”

On Saturday, the French delegation were taken to Exeter for a tour of the city and the cathedral. They returned to France yesterday [Sunday.]

Louviers is a market town in Normandy, 22 miles south of Rouen.

Cllr Richard Kosior will lead the reciprocal visit to Louviers, beginning on Wednesday, August 24.

Enquiries about joining the Louviers Society should be directed to Secretary Pam Nicklin at 01305 771773.