MORE than 50 residents from Crewkerne travelled over the Channel to celebrate two landmark anniversaries.

The visit was organised to celebrate the town’s 540th anniversary of being twinned to the French town of Igny, located 12 miles south west of Paris, and the 10th anniversary of twinning with Bures-sur-Yvette.

The three towns have enjoyed a prosperous relationship over the years, and the celebration was held to mark the achievements of the past, and to look forward to the future.

As part of the celebrations, There was a a host of entertainment organised by resident of Igny, including. The first saw a performance in the town centre by a group of the town’s youngsters, before a meal that catered for in which almost 150 people, from both France and England, attended.

But the entertainment wasn’t solely provided by the French as two musicians from Crewekerne, Rose Silk and Derek Esp, joined in and played with the town’s jazz performance.

County councillor for Crewkerne John Dyke said: “It was a superb visit. Both towns were decorated with a huge number of French and British flags.

“Having been associated with Crewkerne twinning for 38 of the 40 years, the French certainly pushed the boat out on this occasion.

“Many of them are coming to Crewkerne in June to celebrate with us the Queen’s 90th birthday – and joining in the festivities on Henhayes.

“We will do our utmost to repay the huge hospitality which they displayed towards our town.”

The group also visited an exhibition of the memorabilia from the two towns over the past 40 years, which included photographs, charters, gifts and iconic moments such as the Queen’s visit to Crewkerne.

There was also a presentation of a specially-crafted cockerel to the townspeople of Igny by mayor of Crewkerne and chairman of South Somerset District Council Mike Best. The cockerell was hand-crafted and donated by George Hidier of Merriot, and Cllr Best also presented a special photo album to Bures-sur-Yvett, which was compiled by Nigel Roach of Merriott.