BURY'S French connection will be strengthened even further when the borough welcomes the latest contingent from its twin town of Tulle.

Two coachloads of visitors will roll into town on Monday (April 19) for a five-day visit.

The 47-strong party comprises members of the "Big Band" of Tulle, Tulle-Bury Twinning Association members and students who are learning to be electricians.

The French musicians will visit Chetham's School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The band's jazz ensemble will be performing a concert at the Longfield Suite, Prestwich, next Thursday (April 22) between 7.30pm and 10pm. Tickets are £6.

The following day, they will be playing in the Market Square, at Bury's Mill Gate centre between 10am and noon, weather permitting.

The French visitors' tourist day out is to Halifax. Other guests will travel to Lancaster, where they will enjoy a traditional English meal, and will take the Metrolink to Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry and other sights in the city.

Social activities for each party will include evenings at Unsworth and Prestwich and a farewell dinner at the Village Hotel in Prestwich.