ALMOST exactly 950 years since the original Norman invasion, French friends were given a very warm welcome as they paid a twinning trip to Dorchester.

More than 50 visitors from across The Channel arrived in Dorchester to spend a weekend with host families as the county town’s long running twinning tradition continues,

The bi-annual visit from the group from Bayeux is part of a twinning relationship with the French town that started in 1959, with regular visits in both directions ever since.

Two of the French visitors on the latest trip made their first visit to Dorchester in 1968 and, although their original hosts have died, the next generation has taken over and the link continues.

Chairman of the Dorchester Bayeux Society Anthony Thorpe said: “Many of the friendships go back over decades, and new ties are being forged every year.

“Four of the 30 host families were trying the twinning experience here for the first time - and they have all had open invitations to ‘pop over and see us any time’ before their guests returned to France.”

The French visitors enjoyed a trip to Wells in Somerset with their hosts, with Crossways Travel providing coach transport for the English contingent.

There they enjoyed tours of the cathedral and a visit to the Bishop’s Palace, which was hosting the South West Floral Art Awards for the first time.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the Tank Museum at Bovington, where the cross-Channel friends enjoyed a twinning dinner with the mayor of Dorchester Tim Harries and the deputy mayor of Bayeux, Madame Christine Delecroix.

They, along with Mr Thorpe and his opposite number from Normandy Dominique André, addressed the 106 guests present and gifts were exchanged.

After leaving Dorchester, the French guests stopped in Portstmouth for lunch and some last-minute shopping before taking the ferry to Caen.

Anyone interested in joining the Dorchester Bayeux Society is asked to contact Mr Thorpe on 01305 259659 to find out more.