VISITORS from twin towns Mayenne in France and Waiblingen in Germany took over Devizes last weekend as part of a twinning programme between the three towns.

The 150 guests stayed mostly with host families but were wined and dined at events across town which started with music from Waiblingen Jazz Band at the George and Dragon pub, Potterne, on Friday night.

On Saturday afternoon on the Green a partner stone was unveiled by the three mayors to commemorate the twinning link.

One part of a giant stone was sent to Waiblingen last year and next year the final part will be unveiled in Mayenne.

Jasper Selwyn, chairman of Devizes Twinning Association, said: “A number of people were hosting for the first time and found themselves forming close bonds with people from a different country who they had never met before.

“The old hands renewed friendships, and there were plenty of broken hearts when the coaches left on Monday morning.”

Other events included visits to Wadworth, Cross Manufacturing and gardens in the town through a link with the Devizes in Bloom committee as well as dinner dance held in the Corn Exchange and an open air concert in Hillworth Park on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday also included a barge trip, wreath laying at the war memorial and a service held at St John’s Church followed by lunch at the town hall.

Next year’s twinning weekend will be in Mayenne from June 17 to 20.

If you would like to visit France as part of the town’s contingent, contact Simon Fisher at Devizes Town Hall on (01380) 722160.