TOWN twinning is alive and well in Teignmouth and its French partner town Perros-Guirec following their latest rendevous.

Members of Teignmouth Twinning Association gathered with their Breton hosts in Perros-Guirec town hall at the start of another successful visit.

Before the visit, artists from both sides of the Channel had put on an extensive joint exhibition of paintings, sculptures and photographs.

Now it was the turn of twinning partners to spend a few days together, renewing old friendships and making new ones.

Perros-Guirec mayor, Erven Léon, greeted the Teignmouth contingent warmly and praised the two associations for the hard work they put in to sustain an ‘enriching’ relationship dating back more than 45 years.

His sentiments were echoed by Teignmouth’s mayor, Cllr Cate Williams in a pre-recorded video message.

Patricia Rocchia, president of Perros-Guirec Twinning Association, spoke of the enduring friendships that have developed through ‘meeting up, enjoying shared experiences and creating memories together’.

Her opposite number in Teignmouth, Lorraine Adams, appealed to the associations to work together to find ways of ensuring the twinning relationship can continue to flourish and grow.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of gifts between the two town councils.

Guess enjoyed an action-packed weekend with their hosts which included visits to neighbouring towns, a trip to the ruins of Beauport Abbey and exploring the

Pink Granite Coast.

A final celebration meal was held at St Samson Golf Club, preceded by an enthusiastic song from a group of Perros twinners and another from their Teignmouth counterparts.

Teignmouth spokesman Alison Thomas said: ‘It was remarkable how language barriers dissolved as participants were swept along by the pervading mood of companionship, laughter and mutual respect.’

Perros-Guirec town hall, on social media, said it was ’not not just about ceremonies: shared meals, outings and improving our English, it’s the embodiment of a twinning that is alive, sincere and true to its values: exchange, discovery and conviviality.’

Anyone interested in joining Teignmouth Twinning Association, contact [email protected]