Ref. 29356-25CHILDREN from Ashton Keynes' French twin town are learning all about life in the English village this week.

This year 42 youngsters aged 10 and 11 from Grandchamp des Fontaines near Nantes on the Atlantic Coast are staying with host families during an annual trip arranged especially for children.

Their four-day visit included a trip to London and a day out to Winchester and Salisbury. They played football, took part in a beetle drive and sang French songs for their English friends.

Twinning committee member Ruth Britton said the annual visit to Ashton Keynes had great benefits for both sides. "We are keeping in contact with families so we can keep the twinning going with young members.

"It sparks an interest in the French children and helps our children with their French my daughters Laura, 15, and Judy, 13, have benefited when we have hosted families."

The French children are due to leave for home tomorrow.

The link between the two communities started 12 years ago and this is the fourth annual visit by children to Ashton Keynes School.

To find out how to become involved or if you want to host a family in the village contact Ashton Keynes twinning Association chairman Neil Burston on 01285 860737.