MALMESBURY continues to build a strong relationship with its sister town in France as it prepares to commemorate the centenary of World War One together.

For the first time, both the Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Fran Vandelli and the town's Wiltshire Councillor Gavin Grant accompanied 25 local residents from the Malmesbury and District Twinning Association, including two members who went on the original trip 20 years ago, to the town of Gien, in north-central France.

Members of the Twinning Association travelled to Gien on Thursday (June 7) and have spent four days in the town.

They were welcomed by Mayor Christian Bouleau, members of his Town Council and the Gien Town Twinning Association.

Cllr Gavin Grant, said: "We have been made very welcome here by our French hosts. Building a positive relationship with our sister towns in Europe is really important, particularly given the challenges of Brexit."

They discussed plans for both towns to take part in their official commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and it is hoped that representatives from Niebull, the German town Malmesbury is also twinned with, will take part.

Mayor Cllr Vandelli, said: "We discussed how to build on this relationship, in particular the arrangements for both towns' historic commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

"The idea is that each should send a small group of people to represent each town.

"In addition to sending a Town Councillor, we want to talk to our local Royal British Legion and youth organisations in Malmesbury to see if they can also participate.

"It is important we bring our towns and their peoples together to commemorate the catastrophe of World War One and ensure such conflict never happens again in Europe."

Gien Mayor Bouleau has appointed Deputy Mayor Stephane Cornee to organise the town's participation in Malmesbury's commemorative activities.

He said: "I am delighted an honoured to be asked to help Gien deepen our connection with Malmesbury.

"This is very important for Gien. I hope also to be with you at your commemorative events in November."

For information about the Malmesbury and District Twinning Association, please visit: malmesburytwinning.co.uk/