GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham has become such a popular destination that extra hosts are needed for Bavarian guests from twin town Friedberg.

A party of 41 visitors from Chippenham's German twin town will be arriving on Thursday September 2 for a weekend visit and the twinning association is urgently seeking additional hosts because of the number of visitors coming for the first time.

Potential hosts will not need to worry about the language barrier as most of the visitors speak very good English and the association will ensure that guests and hosts are matched as closely as possible.

And hosts will not be expected to pay for their guests' attendance at any of the officially organised events.

The Friedberg party will arrive at Abbeyfield School at about 5pm on the Thursday and will be greeted by the president of the twinning association, the mayor, Coun Ross Henning and twinning association chairman, Richard Meek.

A short reception will follow during which Abbeyfield students will be helping to serve light refreshments before guests leave the school with their hosts to start a hectic but enjoyable few days in Chippenham.

The weekend visit will include an informal dinner dance on Friday night, and an all day visit to Cheddar Gorge and a cheese factory. Sunday will be a free day with host families.

Anyone who is willing to host either a couple or someone on their own and would like more information before committing themselves can contact Karin Meek on Chippenham (01249) 655331.