THE Okehampton and District Twinning Association is flying high after a fantastic stay with its twinning friends in Craon last week.

Members enjoyed an action-packed five days that included a visit to a medieval troglodyte village, part of which remained inhabited until the 1980s, which was built into the rocks just south of Saumur in the Loire Valley.

This was followed by a trip to Europe's largest rose plantation complete with rose distillery from which an astounding range of rose-scented toiletries and consumables are produced.

A buffet dinner and dance on Saturday evening was enjoyed by young and old alike, and everyone all got into the spirit of the local horse racing events at the Craon race course the following day.

During the course of the visit quite a number of informal bring-and share meals were organised by the French families, and there would often be up to 25 people sitting round the same table. Mayor of Okehampton Mike Davies and his son, Josh, also joined the trip.

Rev Davies said: 'I did not really know what to expect with a visit to our twin town of Craon. However, the hospitality and welcome offered to us all was absolutely fantastic. It was undeniably an amazing time in such a beautiful town and countryside.

'Each day was packed with events to suit all ages. I must confess I did deliver my speech at the Craon Town Hall in English rather than French. The French mayor, Paul Chaineau, spoke in perfect English! It was great to see how actively involved both the mayor and deputy mayor of Craon were in all of the twinning events.

'Although I hosted a brief reception in the Okehampton council chamber last year I was really unaware as to how much fun and laughter there is within twinning and I would encourage others to get involved.

'Many friendships were continued and many established. It was good for me to build friendships with many Okehampton people who I did not really know before the trip.'

The twinning association welcomes new members to take part in their social events throughout the year as well as the exchange weekend.

Next year they will be hosting French friends in Okehampton over the August Bank Holiday weekend. To get involved contact Nike Westman by phone or email: 01837 52246 / [email protected]">[email protected] for further information.