ONE of the oldest twinning relationships in the country -- Rossendale and Bocholt in Germany -- will next year celebrate 50 years of their union.

And the link is still "prospering and healthy" said Tim Nuttall, secretary of Bocholt 2002 steering group .

He has contacted the Local Government International Bureau and discovered that out of 500 Anglo-German town twinning arrangements currently registered, only seven are older and none are more than five years older.

The steering group has been set up to co-ordinate the celebrations and at a meeting to discuss arrangements eight groups attended and three others sent apologies but expressed an interest.

The main official event will be 'A European Festival' in Bocholt in late May, 2002, when the 50th anniversary with Rossendale and the 30th anniversary of twinning with Aurillac, France, will be celebrated.

Tim said: "The feeling of the meeting was that by holding events and visits at the usual time of year for each group, but by letting everyone else know when these are taking place, we can gain publicity throughout 2002.

"It was also thought that special joint celebrations could take place once or twice during the year.

"One idea was a joint sport and culture weekend in October, 2002, when we know that at least one coach party from Bocholt will be in the Valley.

"A summer garden party, when an official delegation from Bocholt might be in the Valley is another idea. A year long sport competition yet another."

The next meeting of the steering group will be on September 12 at 7pm in the committee room at the Town Hall, Rawtenstall.