WINSFORD’S unique ‘twinning’ relationship with a French town has been strengthened following a visit from councillors.

Winsford Town Councillors, Cllr Steve Smith and Cllr Mark Baker recently visited Deuil la Barre, in the northern suburbs of Paris, which has a population of more than 20,000.

The twinning link with Winsford was established in 1993, though representatives Winsford have not visited Paris suburb since 2011.

The two councillors were the guests of the Le Guevel family. The family link was created on the councillors last visit to the town with the twinning committee in 2011.

“As guests we went about our everyday business with no pressure, a big thing for me and Mark is events so we took the train into Paris to go to the 'Foire Du Troine'.

"This is Paris' biggest travelling Fun Fair and is held from March to May. It was interesting to see how there Showmen and Fairgrounds compared to ours.

“Going out to the Fair is a big social occasion where you can sit down in a travelling restaurant before going on the rides or after.”

Cllr Smith said they were made very welcome on their stay, particularly by the mother of the Le Guevel family, Brigitte, who used a translation book in an attempt to speak English.

Cllr Smith added: “They, like me and Mark, spoke about our relationship as towns with excitement and both felt these links no matter how small were important and that our visit, though unofficial, was an important one.

“They also intend to return to stay with us.”