TWENTY Gambians from Marlborough's link town of Gunjur have been given a formal civic reception by mayor Maurice Cooper and town councillors.

The students and their leaders are staying with host families in the town during a month-long visit.

The mayor and councillors donned full regalia and were attended by mace bearers Eric Gay and Tony Hamson and town crier Alfie Johnson to welcome the Gambians who are on a Brandt Group exchange visit.

Several of the group had visited Marlborough previously including their leader, Baboucar Touray, who is making his third visit.

In his welcome to the Gunjur group Coun Cooper said: This has now become a tradition and we are very pleased to have you here.

He referred to the battle the town council has had to get signs saying Linked with Gunjur placed at the main entrances to the town.

They were finally put up days before the Gambians arrived and are to be officially unveiled when a delegation from the Gambian High Commission visits on Saturday, July 8.

During their stay the students will visit St John's School and Community College, St Peter's Junior School, St Mary's Infants and at Preshute Primary.

They will also be spending a week at Lacock running a workshop explaining about life in The Gambia.