MALMESBURY Twinning Association is holding a promises auction on Saturday October 21to raise money to allow youngsters from the twin town of Niebull, in Germany, to visit Wiltshire.

Publicity officer Jeff Miller said the twinning association was keen to encourage social, cultural and language exchanges by way of youth links between Malmesbury and Niebull, and Malmesbury's other twin town of Gien, in France.

He said the promises auction would start at 7.30pm in the Rose and Crown Pub in Lea. Items up for grabs included a week's holiday in Brittany, and a week for two in the Lake District.

Six members of Malmesbury's art society experienced the benefits of twinning first hand when they visited Gien for an arts tour last month.

Malmesbury Art Society chairman Jill Stephens said: "A remarkable part of this visit was how effectively communication was established in French and English despite members on both sides having to recall school language lessons or starting with no prior learning.

"Exchange visits are a wonderful way of making new friends and breaking down old prejudices."

For more information about the promises auction or to make bids by post contact Linda Davies on (01666) 823874.