A SNAPSHOT of Herefordshire life was top of the bill at the Vierzon 59th International Show.

Hundreds of visitors poured into the Hereford stand to taste some of the county's culture and watch wooden toy maker Gabi Pfeiffer in action.

Hereford was the town of honour at the international fair, officially opened by the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Polly Andrews, and her Vierzon counterpart.

While Sabrina Boudina, the Vierzon-born Miss French North Africa for 2004, looked a picture of beauty, perhaps the most memorable sight was The Haig-born craftsman Gabi Pfeiffer in full flight.

After studying law and philosophy for six years, Dutchman Gabi turned his hand to wooden toy making and now works for Frome Valley Toymakers Ltd, based at the Hop Pocket Craft Centre, in Bishops Frome.

Celebration

"I feel part of the fabric of Herefordshire and was delighted to accept the invitation to take part in the celebration," said Gabi, who was accompanied on the trip by wife Sally.

"An idea of making the Herefordshire stand more exciting was to demonstrate my craftsmanship, and I was only too pleased, having made wooden toys for the past 18 years.

"It has been very pleasing to see people from Vierzon, Germany and the other countries taking an interest.

"I have seen people from many countries play with my toys and it's a pleasure to have put a smile on their faces. It's nice to see adults, perhaps, remembering their own childhood. Every age demands a different type of toy, whether puzzles or wooden ducks. It interests people of all ages."

Tyrells Potato Chips, ales from the Wye Valley Brewery at Stoke Lacy, Woodpecker Cider, Dore Valley Chocolates and Newtons draught perry were among the products on display.

Tom Stephens and wife Ann, from Newtons Cidery, near Leominster, travelled to Vierzon and were proud to see their products well received by the French.

"It's been going very well and we're over the moon with how well the visitors seem to be enjoying the drinks, especially the still cider," said Tom, who has lived with his family at Newton since 1991.

"We brought over still cider, still perry, sparkling cider and perry and a champagne-type sparkling wine, so there is plenty for the visitors to sample," he said.

John Newman, Trish Harold and David Fleet helped to run the Hereford stall, with transport for the convoy of the county's goods provided free by Herefordshire Jarvis Services.

The Mayor of Hereford commented: "I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and I was very proud to be at the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Vierzon. We are also delighted to have completed 10 years of twinning."