MORE than 50 years of the French connection was celebrated during a visit to Weymouth’s twin town of Louviers.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Graham Winter paid tribute to the link as he followed an annual tradition and led a 42-strong delegation to the Normandy town.

As well as the mayoress Mary Jordan-Winter, the group included Councillor Paul Kimber and town crier Doris Eastwood of Langton Herring.

The borough has been twinned with the French town since 1958.

The visit to Louviers followed a visit by a French party to Weymouth in June.

Louviers Mayor Franck Martin was unable to attend and deputy Roland Lienard went in his place.

A civic reception was held at Le Moulin – Louvier’s old linen mill transformed into the town assembly rooms and theatre.

Coun Winter gave M. Martin a picture of Portland Bill and one of Maureen Attwooll’s books about Weymouth.

He in turn received a box of wine and Calvados, the local apple brandy.

Coun Winter said: “We found Normandy very picturesque with rustic villages and beautiful countryside.

“Highlights during the jaunt included two nights near Lille, which was the European Capital of Culture in 2004.

The delegation also enjoyed a day in Bruges.

From Louviers, the party visited the Château de Vendeuvre, famous for its collection of delicate miniature furniture and water gardens.

Chairman of the Weymouth-Louviers Society Ted Nicklin said of the towns’ friendship: “I believe it is very important that this twinning continues, we are always seeking new members.”

The society has been encouraging schoolchildren to write to pen pals.