CITY of Hereford French Twinning Association chairman Geoff Rawcliffe spoke of the many friendships made over the past decade.

The latest trip to Vierzon marked the largest party travelling from the Hereford association to their friends in the Loire Valley.

He spoke of this friendship at Vierzon Town Hall in a special reception with representatives from the other countries to mark the 10th anniversary.

"During the last 10 years, many friendships have been formed between people of Vierzon and Hereford and I hope many more people will make exchange visits in the future," he said.

He said it was a great pleasure to meet representatives from the other twin towns of Vierzon.

"I hope that such meetings will foster good relations between people of different countries and cultures and help to maintain peace in the world," he said.

He presented several gifts to mark the twinning association's 10th anniversary with Vierzon, including an engraved cut glass vase.

He also thanked the members of traditional French folk group Les Berriauds, its president, Nicole Augendre, and all of those who hosted visitors from Hereford and made them so welcome.

"It was nice to see Hereford's name all over the place and it would be nice to have some recognition of our own twin towns."