HORRABRIDGE Twinning Association were hosts to 25 French visitors from their twin village of Tilly-sur-Suelles, Calvados, Normandy earlier this month.

A packed programme of events included a visit to Castle Drogo where a member of Okehampton Twinning and official National Trust guide translated the history of the castle and family.

In the evening an indoor picnic was enjoyed at Horrabridge Village Hall with traditional Celtic and folk music and dance by Brian and Christine Cunningham, former residents of Horrabridge, and friends.

The programme also included shopping in Tavistock Pannier Market, with many buying antiques and souvenirs.

The surprise of the visit was the tour of Tavistock on the three Robey Trust traction engines especially prepared and decorated with national flags and bunting.

The engines left Bedford Square just as a newly-married couple were leaving the church. Amid much blowing of steam whistles, cheering and shouts of 'Good luck' to the newly-weds, 50 hosts and visitors were driven through the town en route to the Robey Trust works in Pixon Lane.

They were given a talk on the valuable work the trust does followed by refreshments and a tour of the working static exhibits.?Volunteers were on hand to explain and answer questions.

The traditional soiree this year was held in the Gallery Room of the Bedford Hotel.

The final day of the visit included some time spent at the 'Tractor Run' in support of the Prostrate Cancer Charity, which left Knightstone Restaurant on a tour of Meavy and Burrator, followed by a walk before lunch along the cycle route to view the new Gem Bridge over the River Walkham.

Cllr David Cloke, chairman of Horrabridge Twinning Association, said the whole weekend was a huge success for Horrabridge Twinning and West Devon and that the president de Jumelage de Tilly-sur-Suelles, Helene Letelier, had told him the visitors had been overwhelmed by the events organised for them and the friendliness of the people of West Devon.?She invited the hosts to Normandy next year.