A GROUP from the Royston & District Twinning Association has just returned from a visit to the French twin-town of La Loupe. And the group took its youngest member on an exchange visit – at six-month-old. It s an encouraging sign, and we are seeing an in

A GROUP from the Royston & District Twinning Association has just returned from a visit to the French twin-town of La Loupe.

And the group took its youngest member on an exchange visit - at six-month-old.

"It's an encouraging sign, and we are seeing an increase in people taking part in visits," said Clare Davies, the group's publicity officer.

During the visit, members went to Chartres Cathedral where local expert Malcolm Miller - an Englishman who has spent more than 50 years studying its history - gave them a guided tour.

There was an exchange of gifts between Royston Town Council and the town council in La Loupe during a civic reception.

David Gray, chairman of the twinning association, who represented the Mayor of Royston, Cllr Paul Grimes, during the visit, presented a framed picture of the Royston Tapestry and a book explaining the work on the project to La Loupe.

In return, La Loupe gave Mr Gray two books of photographs of the Perche region, where La Loupe is located.

And all visitors were given a La Loupe speciality of chocolates in the shape of acorns - which was different from the more adventurous members of the group who took the opportunity to taste French delicacies such as snails and oysters.

A party from La Loupe will be visiting Royston next year.