THE continent seemed a little closer in Chipping Sodbury as a group of 60 French visitors descended on the town.

The contingent was from Cesson, near Paris, which Chipping Sodbury has been twinned with for the past 30 years.

This year’s weekend visit included dignitaries and past members who crossed the Channel to help mark the twinning association’s 30th anniversary.

A community barn dance was held in the town hall on Saturday night and a birthday buffet was served in Jacksons social club, on Station Road in Yate, on Sunday.

Vice-chairman of Sodbury and District Twinning Association, Ann Clements, prepared a photo book of pictures taken throughout the weekend as a memorable present for the French visitors.

She said: "There are many of us who can testify to the wonderful hospitality of Cesson, through the welcome it always offers us when we visit and the wholehearted involvement of its citizens in supporting the aims and activities of the twinning groups of both communities.

"We want to develop and encourage more interchange in sports and leisure activities, music, drama and the arts in general, education and work experience.

"We always want new members to join us."

Following the success of the latest visit, the twinning association is hoping more families will get involved. It is holding its annual meeting on Monday, June 8 (8pm) in the West Room, Ridgewood Community Centre on Station Road, Yate. Anyone interested in finding out more about Chipping Sodbury’s links with Cesson is more than welcome.