EUROPEAN relations are as strong as ever in Bury as the town welcomed residents from its twin town in Germany.

35 visitors aged between nine and 80 visited from Schorndorf, spending five days staying at homes of members of Bury’s Twinning Association.

Yvonne Moore, chairman of the association, said that the connection would remain whatever the result of the referendum on June 2.

She said: "In the present uncertain times for Europe the strong two way bridge will continue between the two communities whatever the result."

The guests experienced typical Lancashire hospitality from the host families visiting local attractions and shopping.

They also enjoyed a visit to Windermere and a trip to Bury Football Club.

Mrs Moore said: "It was a tremendous few days. There was a large group of around 70 of us and everyone had a fantastic time.

"There was a real buzz for the five days they were here and seeing how happy everyone was to come makes all the hard work and fundraising worthwhile."

The association is run entirely by volunteers who fundraise to help pay for the entertainment during the visit.

To complete the trip the guests and hosts were invited to a farewell dinner by the now-former mayor Cllr Stella Smith at the Peacock Room, Crimble Hall in Bamford.

Anruth Theurer, secretary of the Schorndorf Twinning Committee, thanked the Bury association for their warm welcome.

She added: "Coming to Bury is like coming home. In a world of misunderstandings, ugly wars with their horrible threats, with millions of refugees looking for security and acceptance somewhere in Europe, twinning meetings are very important.

"They show how the world could be. They are small pieces in a mosaic showing a picture of a peaceful world and we should all do our very best to increase the beauty of this picture."

Bury is twinned with Angouleme, France, Tulle, France, Schorndorf, Germany and Woodbury in America.

During the year the twinning association run a series of social occasions which help to pay for the entertainment of guests of the twinned towns when they visit Bury.

The Bury Twinning Association has a visit to Tulle planned for later in the year.

For more information on twinning in Bury contact Mrs Moore on 0161 766 7378.