ALCESTER and their twin town of Vallett celebrated more than four decades of friendship during a trip from a group of French visitors.

The town welcomed 27 visitors from Vallett to renew friendships and celebrate 41 years since the formation of the Alcester-Vallett Twinning Association.

French visitors were welcomed by Alcester town crier Rory Duff to a reception in the Town Hall, where the original charter signed in 1977 by founding presidents Jim Howarth for Alcester and Hélène de Malestroit for Vallet is kept.

Alcester president Florence Wright and outgoing Vallett president Béatrice Gaborit outlined the many experiences shared and enjoyed, and the benefits gained from the exchange of visits across the years.

Ms Wright said: "We have now enjoyed two extremely successful years of visits, last year to Vallet and this year to Alcester, which underlines the strength of both our towns’ friendship with one another.

"It was sad to hear of Beatrice’s retirement, but we are already working on plans for our visit to Vallet next year and we will be looking forward to working with their new president when the appointment is made."

Vallet presented a decorative wrought iron plaque celebrating the 40 years of friendship existing between the two towns as a gift.

The unique present was designed by President Béatrice Gaborit and fashioned by 62 year-old Éric-Paul Dubois, a master craftsman from Vallet.

The group also made visits to Bristol and Upton House, before ending with a traditional farewell meal at the Kings Court Hotel.