THE HISTORY of a Malmesbury Monk who spread Christianity across Germany in the seventh century provided the catalyst for a friendship agreement as Malmesbury officials strengthened its links with Germany last week.

Representatives from Bad Hersfeld joined councillors from Malmesbury town council at the start of the month to sign the covenant which is hoped will boost tourism.

The history of Saint Lullus, who founded the German town and establishment of the monastery in 769, has recently emerged and officials are keen to promote their shared history.

Councillor Wayne Jones, who is the Mayor of Malmesbury said: "Obviously it is important to the town. We look at opportunities that we can promote tourism and attract additional visitors to the areas. Where many areas are focusing on formal twinnings, we are focusing on a friendship agreement and we believe this offers a much more friendly and face to face opportunity for the residents of both towns. In each town halls there will be a friendly welcome and a point of call if it is needed.

"Everyone is talking about Brexit but this is not a political link - this is a local link with a shared history and for that reason we are happy to promote things that would promote both towns and boost tourist numbers."

While the German town boasts of the oldest folk festival Lullusfest, which celebrates the monk in October, its representatives were treated to a talk by local historian Tony McAleavy during their visit and the annual carnival procession.

Town clerk Jeff Penfold, who founded the Friends of Lullus Group and has been responsible for forging links between the two towns, said: "The agreement is a declaration that both towns want a further link between its citizens for cultural recreation learning. So we know if people want to come to where Lullus made his career blossom, they know there is a friendly place to call in, in the town hall.

"If you’re alone in the foreign town, it’s nice to know you have somewhere to go for a bit of assistance. I think that any of these relationships that we can build can only be good for the town."

Residents intrigued by the history surrounding Saint Lullus can learn more at the Athelstan Museum's exhibit entitles Malmesbury's Missionary Monk until Sunday, October 2.