MORE than 20 French visitors enjoyed hospitality provided by members of Burrator Twinning Association during their visit to West Devon last weekend.

The association, now in its 24th year, is thriving and the visitors from Mathieu in Normandy enjoyed outings in the area as well as spending time with their hosts in Walkhampton, Yelverton, Buckland Monachorum and Dousland.

Bob Crosbie of the twinning association said: 'Mathieu is a small village about five miles north of Caen — it's very close to the Normandy beaches.

'When we've been over there on visits we've seen all sorts of things, from Rouen Cathedral to an Armagnac distillery and cheese factory.'

Last weekend a trip to Princetown Brewery was arranged to see how English beer was made and a celebration meal was held at the Moorland Links near Yelverton during the evening.

The group also enjoyed a lunchtime buffet event at the Walkhampton Inn.

Mr Crosbie said although the twinning association was very successful, the organising committee wanted to encourage some new members.

'We are trying to get some younger folks in the parish to join so we continue to be as successful in the future,' he said.

Nick Shutt, association chairman, said: 'The weekend has been a great success.

'For many of our visitors this was their first visit to England and they have gone home with a very positive view of our country due, in no small part, to the hard work of the committee members and families who hosted our guests.'

Mr Shutt thanked local businesses for the hospitality enjoyed by the visitors during the weekend.

Anyone living in Burrator parish who is interested in taking part in future twinning events should contact Mr Shutt on 01822 854653.

l Pictured right: French visitors take a look at a pint of Jail Ale with brewer Simon Loveless