CROSS-CHANNEL links were strengthened when Lyme Regis was officially twinned with the Normandy town of Barfleur.

The twinning was given the stamp of approval at the weekend with the signing of the charter and Declaration of Friendship between the two towns.

The ceremony took place on Saturday in Barfleur when 10 members of the Lyme Twinning Association – including mayor Sally Holman and chairman John Dover – were hosted by the Barfleurais in their homes.

More than a hundred people attended the twinning charter ceremony in the town hall, among them district community representatives and officials and members of neighbouring twinning groups.

The mayor of Barfleur Jean Deville described how Lyme Regis had been recommended as a suitable twinning candidate by a former chairman of the Bridport/St Vaast La Hogue Twinning Association.

He said there were many similarities between the towns, and reflected on how the history of Barfleur was entwined with that of England.

Barfleur’s main street is named after Thomas a Beckett, and it was from Barfleur that William the Conqueror sailed for the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Coun Holman, speaking in French, described the event as ‘important and significant'.

She presented Barfleur with a framed, panoramic photograph of Lyme Regis harbour.

After the twinning ceremony the Barfleurais hosted a reception, and a historic tour of the town was followed by dinner and entertainment in true Normandy style.

John Dover, chairman of the Lyme Regis/Barfleur Twinning Association, said: "We look forward to hosting our friends from Barfleur in September when we will re-confirm our formal ties and return their generous hospitality.

“We will continue to encourage and develop links between individuals of all ages and organisations aimed at creating mutual and tangible benefits to our respective communities.”