THERE is a lofty corner of Ipplepen which is forever France – and it will be most noticeable when the wind blows.

Atop the village hall stands a proud French-made copper weathervane in the shape of a Gallic cockerel.

It flew in all the way from the other side of the English Channel where it was fashioned by the good folk of Soliers, Ipplepen’s twin village.

The generous gift from the Normandy village marked a 30-year friendship between the two communities.

It was presented to the twinning association when the French party last visited in May.

Association chairman Rob Dyer, who happily accepted the gift, duly handed it over to Barry Quick who made a bracket and fixed the impressive ornament to its new perch.