15659VISITORS from Bradford on Avon's German twin town arrived to celebrate 35 years since the charter was signed linking the two towns.

Nearly 50 people came from Norden, a remote town in the north west of Germany, on Thursday.

Bradford's mayor, Vicky Landell Mills gave a formal welcome on Saturday and the German guests were entertained by Morris dancers.

The visitors have since enjoyed trips to Wilton, Salisbury, Corfe Castle and Swanage.

Norman Hore, publicity officer for the twinning association, said: "Every-thing has gone well. Everybody has seemed

to enjoy themselves

even though it rained when we were at Corfe Castle and Swanage."

The visit culminated on Wednesday evening with a buffet meal to celebrate 35 years to the day since the twinning was formed.

The partnership began in 1966 when the East-Friesland Council wrote to Wiltshire County Council hoping to set up an exchange of culture and sport.

The county council wrote to various organisations, including Bradford on Avon Rowing Club, whose members made the first visit in the summer of 1967.

The partnership became official on August 11 1969, when Bradford's mayor and the town clerk of Norden brought a document to Bradford's Urban District Council to be signed.