TRADERS in Rawtenstall will say a warm 'Willkommen' to civic delegates visiting the town this weekend to celebrate 50 years of twinning with the German town Bocholt.

Around 250 people from Bocholt will visit Rossendale to find out about their twin town which shares one of the longest-running twinnings in the country.

The Mayor, Klaus Ehling, will attend an official delegation tonight at the council chambers where Rossendale's Mayor, Jimmy Eaton, will present an illuminated scroll with the Rossendale and Bocholt coat of arms inscribed in gold leaf.

Tomorrow they will visit the Horse and Bamboo Theatre, Waterfoot, to find out about their new production -- Company of Angels.

The group will then head to Rawtenstall market to present the town with a 6ft sculpture to take pride of place in Bank Street which represents two pieces of a jigsaw joining Rossendale and Bocholt.

A market celebration will be held among traders, with a Punch and Judy show by Professor Nik Nak, a comedy show and balloon blowing with Jimjoe the clown as well as a Bertie Bassett treasure hunt for the children.

Joan Whiteley, owner of J & R Biscuits, Rawtenstall Market, has helped organise the fun events tomorrow.

She said: "We want as many people as possible to come down and have a good time.

"We will have lots going on for all the family from about 11am till 4pm, which will give shoppers time to get what they want before joining in the fun."

There will also be other events taking place throughout the weekend at the Astoria Ballroom in Rawtenstall and Bacup Leisure Hall.

Secretary of Friends of Bocholt Tim Nuttall said: "Delegates from Rossendale went to Bocholt about two weeks ago so we hope we can show them just how good Rossendale is."

To find out more about what is arranged for the weekend, contact the Tourist Information Office 01706 229828.