PLANS to build on the links between Helensburgh and its ‘twin town’ in France will begin to take shape next month.

The Helensburgh and District Twinning Association will hold a virtual AGM next month to start planning for a visit by a delegation from Thouars next summer - and the group wants to hear from families in the town who would be willing to host some of the visitors.

The French guests are due to arrive in Helensburgh in July 2021, and the programme for their visit will be considered at the association’s AGM, to be conducted via video link on August 5 at 8pm.

The twinning agreement between the towns was signed in 1983 - meaning that when a Helensburgh group travels to France in 2023, it will be the 40th anniversary of the towns’ alliance.

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A Helensburgh and District Twinning Association spokesperson told the Advertiser: “Families have a reciprocal agreement to host a family in their home for one week.

“A group from Helensburgh travels to France every four years and they return to Helensburgh from Thouars every four years.

“Twinning is a truly unique way to experience a different way of life and immerse yourself in French culture.

READ MORE: From our Archives: 2003 visit celebrated 20 years of Helensburgh-Thouars 'twinning'

“The association is currently planning the excursions for their next visit to Scotland in July 2021 – which we very much hope will be able to go ahead given current global events.

“The association is a great social platform to meet new people at fun events throughout the year. We would like to encourage new families to come forward to host and get involved.”

If you would be interested in joining the Twinning Association as a host, you can email association president Mrs Margaret MacInnes BEM on margaretroseschoolofdance@hotmail.com to find out more information.

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