Nineteen host families in Royston and surrounding areas recently welcomed 37 French guests from the twin town of La Loupe.

The town twinning (jumelage) partnership between Royston and La Loupe has flourished for 38 years, with groups making alternate trips to each other's town.

Guests visited Royston from Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21, with a total of 74 people taking part, ranging in age from eight to over 70.

New and experienced twinners alike participated in a variety of activities, including visiting the Royston Cave, Glazed Creations pottery painting studio and Cambridge.

Thanks to a collaboration with Royston Town Band, two young French musicians - 20-year-old Clément Lecoîntre and 16-year-old Félix Grohmann - were able to join the cornet section for a concert on Friday evening at the recently renovated St John the Baptist Church.

The concert ended with a resounding chorus of La Marseillaise and God Save the King.

Royston & District Twinning Association also partnered with Royston Radio, and a small group of French twinners - including Frederica Ambrogio, who used to work in local radio in France - were able to meet founder Fonz Chamberlain and see the studio.

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After a day with host families on the Saturday, the group's traditional reception was held at Barkway Village Hall, with families bringing a dish to share.

The chairs of Royston and La Loupe twinning associations made speeches, alongside new Mayor of Royston Lisa Adams, renewing their commitment to twinning and looking ahead to their 40th anniversary.

The evening ended with an hour of line dancing, led by Naomi Wallen.

Sheila Ball, chair of Royston & District Twinning Association, said: "When asked to encapsulate the twinning visit in one word, comments included: friendship – fun – discovery – happiness – magical – sharing – connection – enriching.

"Special thanks go to all host families and committee members on both sides of the channel, particularly Sophie Lereau, chair of La Loupe twinning and Elizabeth Freeman secretary of Royston twinning for their organisation.

"We look forward to planning our visit to La Loupe next year once dates are agreed. Vive le jumelage!"