A PARTY of 65 visitors from La Flche, in France, will visit Chippenham this weekend to celebrate the 20th anniversary of twinning between the two towns.

The guests will arrive today at Abbeyfield School at about 5pm, where they will be greeted by the president of the Twinning Association, Mayor Richard Meek and headteacher Trish Shubrook.

"This visit from La Fleche is a very special occasion for Chippenham marking, as it does, 20 years of close ties between our two communities," said Coun Meek.

"When we visited La Fleche last May we were treated to a very full and varied programme of activity and we hope our visitors will return to France with lots of very happy memories of their visit."

A short reception will take place at Abbeyfield when the Mayor of La Fleche will present Coun Meek with a special commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

Students from the school will be providing musical accompaniment at the reception and serving light refreshments.

Tomorrow the French guests and their hosts will gather in the Neeld Hall for a supper dance with music from the Four Plus One Jazz group.

During the evening members will share a special anniversary cake made by Margaret Walters.

A surprise draw for the French visitors will feature prizes with a local connection, donated by twinning association members.

Saturday will culminate in a recital at St Andrew's Church at 7.30pm, with Philip Gammon, a former pupil of Chippenham Grammar School and now principal pianist with the Royal Ballet Convent Garden, and his wife, Floretta, a soprano.

The recital, entitled Music And Reminiscence, is open to the public and entry is by programme which costs £6 for adults, available on the door.

Alternatively, they can be purchased from China Bowl, Haine and Smith or the Tourist Information Office.

A number of other activities have been arranged for Sunday to complete the weekend.

New members of the Twinning Association are always welcome.

Contact Dina La Vardera for further information on (01249) 821576.