BURY is on track to establish a unique bond with an American city.

Around 60 citizens of Woodbury were in town this week to restore a historical link between the city and the borough first established more than 300 years ago.

The new found friendship, established last summer by Greenmount builder Melvin Magnall, was sealed on Sunday (March 25) by the naming of an East Lancashire Railway steam engine "Henry Wood of Woodbury" in memory of the local lad who went on to become one of America's founding fathers.

The Tottington-born Quaker was forced to flee to America to escape religious persecution more than 300 years ago. He sailed to New Jersey and founded a settlement on the Delaware River which he named Woodbury.

Last year, to mark the millennium, Mr Magnall attempted to recreate the epic journey made by Wood. However, technical problems with the boat ended the "Sailing into the Millennium" dream, but a firm link was forged with the American city which was marked with a spectacular cultural and sports festival. The re-uniting of the two communities was symbolised by the unveiling of a stained-glass window at St Anne's Church, Tottington.

A group of Quakers who had flown over also attended the special service conducted by the vicar of St Anne's Church, the Rev Hugh Bearn.

The window, was bought by the citizens of Woodbury and Bury Mayor Coun Bill Johnson made a substantial donation to the £10,000 cost. Images on the window depict the historical link between the two towns and serve as a permanent reminder of the unique bond between the two places.

During their whistle-stop tour in the borough the 60 Americans visited the borough's tourist attractions as well as learning about the history of the town and the link it has with Woodbury.

In a jam-packed week, the visitors travelled to Lancaster Prison, where Wood was kept prisoner, and were the guest of local Quakers.

The visitors also managed to fit in a bit of sight-seeing.

Mr Magnall of Balmoral Close, said: "The trip has been 100 per cent perfect. This visit has done wonders for Bury in terms of tourism and for the people, who have made some very good friends and the fact we can learn from them and they from us."

He added: "Some of the Americans were in tears when it came to leaving, and some didn't even want to go.

"Bury has been put on the map in Woodbury and plans are afoot for further exchange visits for smaller groups.

Mr Magnall called for tourism bosses to work with him on developing the link between Woodbury.

"This project has cost me a lot of money, and much of my life-savings, but it has been worth it," he said.