NEVER mind Brexit, Worcester Twinning Association celebrated the 25th anniversary of its liaison with Le Vésinet with a four day visit to the leafy French town, which stands on a loop of the River Seine 12 miles from the centre of Paris.

It was back in 1994 the French Connection was formalised when Le Vésinet's mayor joined a party of 12 of its leading citizens for a weekend in Worcester to attend the formal twinning ceremony in the Guildhall.

Around 20 members of WTA made the return trip this summer, travelling by coach from Croft Road to the western suburbs of the French capital.

 Their visit included a special 25th anniversary ceremony, which took place outside Le Vésinet's Town Hall.

Worcester’s deputy mayor, Jo Hodges, gave a speech in French and English and presented a gift to the Mayor of Le Vésinet.

Representatives from all Le Vésinet’s twin towns took the opportunity to chat to old friends and new, while enjoying drinks and a buffet lunch provided by the town council.

In the afternoon a fashion show was held in the town centre, followed by an Elgar concert.

In the evening there was a “Dîner en Blanc”, which took place by the town lake.

Everyone dressed in white and the atmosphere was enhanced by twinkling candles and lamps. This was followed by a Fête de la Marguerite, when the parishes of St Marguerite and St Pauline invited everyone to an open air Mass on Sunday morning.

Host families organised a picnic for the traditional family garden party lunch in the park.

On Monday morning, before boarding the coach for the homeward journey, the visiting party attended the start of Caryl and Lyndon Bracewell’s bike ride back to Worcester in aid of Alzheimers and Dementia charities.

Councillor Hodges said: “Worcester Twinning Association would like to thank their dear friends in Le Vésinet for a fantastic 25th anniversary and the generous host families who looked after us so well.”