DULVERTON is one of only two towns in the UK to receive a top European Commission award for its links with towns in other countries.

The EC's Gold Stars award was presented to town council chairman Cllr Pat Skipper by Mr Spyros Pappas, acting EU director for education and culture, at a conference in Spain.

Dulverton's achievement stems from a gradual build-up of links with small towns in or near national parks abroad - Artea in the Spanish Basque region, Zwierzyniec in South East Poland and St Laurent de Neste in the French Pyrenees.

The principal aim is to learn from each other's experiences in both protecting the environment and ensuring a healthy rural economy.

Last month, three of the towns came together in Poland and last year all four met in Artea to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The four civic leaders also took part in the European Town Twinning Conference.

Cllr Skipper said: "I was proud to be there to collect the award. It was a great honour for Dulverton and I hope to put the medallion on show in the town soon."

She was accompanied on the trip by Dulverton and Southern Exmoor Twinning Association chairman Stephanie Martinez and secretary Peter Berman.