A visit from residents of Bridport's twin town in France was a 'joyous occasion'.

Bridport Twinning Association hosted 45 visitors from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy. 

The usual annual exchanges had been interrupted by Covid and this was their first visit since 2019.

Jonathan Dines, chairman of the Bridport association, said: "It was a joyous occasion and an opportunity for some of our newer members to experience the wonderful spirit of friendship that exists between the two associations and our towns."

The guests from St Vaast enjoyed the market on Saturday morning before Bridport’s Town Crier publicly announced their visit with a cry in French and English in Bucky Doo Square.

A civic reception was then held in the Town Hall, where the French guests were welcomed by Bridport’s mayor, Dave Bolwell.

The weekend weather was extremely kind and the Bride Valley and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, both visited on Sunday, were at their very best.

The trip was rounded off with a meal in the Ballroom at The Bull Hotel, Bridport.

Mr Dines added: "It was clear the St Vaastais, as their townsfolk are known, were very happy to be back!"

For more information about the Bridport St Vaast Twinning Association, email the secretary, Linda Bullock, at lindabdt6@aol.com