In their first official visit following the twinning of the towns, more than fifty visitors from Raglan's twin village of Parcé-sur-Sarthe spent a memorable bank holiday weekend getting a taste of what Raglan and the local area has to offer.

Following the success of last year's trip to Parcé-sur-Sarthe, the local group felt they had a lot to live up to, and organised an action-packed programme of trips, tours, games and fantastic food.

Following their arrival on the Friday, the French visitors were taken all over the local area, from Big Pit to the top of the Blorenge. The hosts even challenged their visitors to a France vs Wales 'petanque' tournament.

The groups were also treated to a guided tour of Clytha House in impeccable French from Jack Hanbury-Tenison and a chance to sample products from the Raglan Cider Mill.

Sunday commenced with a guided tour of Raglan village from local historian Cheryl Morgan followed by a bilingual church service at the Baptist Church.

Afterwards Sylvia Price, Chair of Raglan Community Council and Steve Brissault Deputy Mayor of Parcé-sur-Sarthe exchanged remembrance wreaths which are to be laid on the respective war memorials in each village on November 11.

Following a visit to Raglan Castle and a treat of Pimms and beer on the lawns of Castle Farm, the day was rounded off with a gala dinner at Raglan Parc Golf club.

A spokesman for the Raglan Twinning Association said, "All in all the trip was a resounding success and links have been forged between many groups as well as private individuals."

The association has also expressed gratitude to all those who helped support the visit including the host families, Raglan Community Council, NISA/D and M Watkins, CADW, Jack Hanbury-Tension, The Beaufort Arms, Raglan Camping and Kite Centre, Neil James butchers, Raglan Fryer, Extons of Raglan, Countrywide, The Clytha Arms, Raglan Parc Golf Club, Vivienne and Dewinton Jones, Rev Robert Atkins and Cheryl Morgan.

For more information on the Raglan Twinning please call 01291 690420 or email [email protected]">[email protected]