TROWBRIDGE said bonjour and au revoir to visitors from Charenton-le-Pont over the weekend as the two towns celebrated 20 years of being twinned.

The Trowbridge French Twinning Association, who now bodes 72 members in and around the town, was first set up in June 1996 as the charter was signed between the two towns.

The 20th anniversary weekend saw French delegates visit Trowbridge and go on a number of trips around the county to showcase what Wiltshire has to offer.

Liz Summerson, who has been a committee member since the beginning, said during the visit around 75 people attended a Civic Reception hosted by mayor Roger Andrews on Friday which was a resounding success.

“The anniversary weekend went brilliantly, with some new and some old friends amongst the 20 people who came from Charenton, led by Véronique Vanderzwalm,” she added.

“Real friendships have been forged with our twinning friends and we can't wait for next year's return visit to Charenton.

“Guests from Charenton gave all the host families porcelain dishes that had been specially commissioned for the anniversary, and we gave all our Charenton friends souvenir mugs inscribed with the dates and national flags. It was a wonderful weekend full of fun and friendship.”

As well as visiting a number of local places of interest including Great Chalfield, Box Steam Brewery, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury, the group also had a celebratory dinner at The Moonraker Hotel where the guests were able to reminisce their memories of the relationship between the towns.

Representatives from Trowbridge will visit Charenton next year.

To get involved with the Trowbridge French Twinning Association, contact Liz Summerson by emailing summerson40@hotmail.co.uk.