CULTURES came together in Chippenham as the town held its annual twinning event and welcomed the mayor of Friedberg and other representatives from the German town.

Chippenham has been twinned with Friedberg for 24 years, as well as La Flèche in France for 34 years, and welcomes officials and dignitaries from the towns on a biennial basis.

Chippenham Mayor Terry Gibson said: “We are twinned with Friedberg in Germany and La Flèche in France and one year one town comes to us and we go to the other one, so we will be going to France later this year.

“The mayor from Friedberg came this year and so did 26 members of the German twinning and we took them to London and Oxford.

“Most of them are on their fourth or fifth visit so they know Chippenham well but it’s a chance to share our cultures.”

After spending four days in the UK representatives from Friedberg had a meal at the Town Hall yesterday organised by Chippenham Town Council.

Cllr Gibson added: “Having a twinning is important and because of Brexit it’s even more important to have that connection.

“You have the advantage of learning a language, it’s good for young people as they get to do exchanges.

“We had a tour from Chippenham Rugby Club who went across to France and played rugby against other sides across there and the schools get to create a link as well.

Anyone interested in helping out in events between Chippenham and its twinned towns should contact Councillor Sylvia Gibson on Sylvia.gibson@hotmail.com