Twinners in South East Cornwall have been celebrating 30 years of friendship with their French counterparts.

Members of the Torpoint and District Twinning Association entertained a party from Benodet in Brittany and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter was marked with a gala dinner at the China Fleet Club, Saltash.

The twinning link, set up in 1987, was the idea of David and Doreen England, from Torpoint.

It has resulted in a long-standing relationship which continues to thrive and be enjoyed by families on both sides of the Channel.

Chairman of the Torpoint association Peter McLaren looks upon the twinning groups as a large family with long-term friendships, some of which started back in the 1980s.

Benodet mayor Christian Pennanech attended the celebrations in Cornwall and was formally greeted by Torpoint mayor and mayoress John and Tina Crago and Cllr Michael Pearn and his wife Valerie who have supported the association over many years.

The celebrations will continue again at the end of May when a Cornish contingent travels to Benodet.

Peter complimented the twinners on their loyalty and said the twinning ideal should be admired and nurtured for future generations to enjoy.