'TWINNERS' in Minehead celebrated a 20-year-link with their counterparts from the French town of St Berthevin during a special anniversary visit dubbed one of the best on record.

A 40-strong group travelled to West Somerset last weekend, including St Berthevin Mayor Yannick Borde and several councillors.

They were welcomed by Minehead Twinning Association members and also received an official welcome from Minehead Mayor Cllr Ron Bridle, who set the tone by recalling the long-standing friendship between the two towns.

Among the highlights for the French visitors was a tour of the new Minehead EYE youth centre by its director Naomi Griffiths and the chance to watch a skateboard session in action.

A dinner and barn dance at Minehead First School when the visitors were joined by more than 50 Minehead twinners and friends provided an opportunity for an exchange of gifts.

Cllr Bridle presented Monsieur Borde with a plaque - a reproduction of the new town sign at Ellicombe - while in return Minehead was given a sculpture representing two intertwining herons - a miniature of a new sculpture in St Berthevin.

The French visitors also learnt about the history of the West Somerset Railway, with some taking a trip on the heritage line to Watchet to see the town's museum and boat museum, and others taking the train to Blue Anchor and walking back to Minehead through Dunster.

Minehead Twinning Association chairman Martin Evans said the French had departed weary, but happy early on Monday.

"We are delighted with the success of the weekend," said Mr Evans.

"This was one of the best twinning visits so far and a testament to all the hard work of the committee, helpers and hosts.

"We are especially grateful to Cllr Bridle for being involved throughout the weekend and for the financial support from the town council.

"We look forward to the return visit to St Berthevin in 2011, which will be a great opportunity for anyone from the Minehead area to experience life in a French family and see St Berthevin at first hand."

Anyone interested in twinning can contact Mr Evans on 01643 703161 or email [email protected]">[email protected].

Minehead twinner Dave James with the Union Jack and St Berthevin twinner Yves Chauvin with the Tricolour are pictured with their counterparts at Minehead Station.

Photo: Steve Guscott