SHOPPERS enjoyed a programme of Easter events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Clitheroe's twinning with its French counterpart Rivesaltes on Saturday.

Market traders and Ribble Valley Borough Council joined forces to plan the day to remember to celebrate the town's French connection, which started in 1977.

The festivities began when a group of Rivesaltes representatives visited Clitheroe Market, after a reception at the Town Council chambers.

A boules knock-out competition culminated in a grand final. Winners of the contest played against a special Rivesaltes team, with prizes presented by Ribble Valley Mayor Coun Gwen Pye.

And there was even something for little visitors, with an egg painting competition. Clitheroe town band and a tombola, with cash raised going to several French charities, plus a market trader fancy hat competition, with the winner chosen again by Coun Pye, all contributed to the festivities.

Market shoppers enjoyed an exhibition of photographs from Clitheroe's bygone days, including information about Rivesaltes in the market canteen, and taste testing traditional Lancashire fayre, including hot pot, black puddings, tripe, local cheeses and chocolate.

On Sunday, the fun continued with a charity football match between Clitheroe FC and Rivesaltes France at the Shawbridge ground, when the AXA FA Cup was on display.