RESIDENTS of Rainford celebrated a special milestone this year when they played host to a coach party from Verneil Sur Seine in northern France.

The two towns have been 'twinned' for 20 years, during which time thousands of English children and hundreds of adults have experienced life with French families and vice-versa.

Situated 30 miles North West of Paris, Verneuil Sur Seine was chosen as a perfect place to twin with as it is of similar size, character and ambience to Rainford.

Over the years many friendships have been formed with some families even being invited to France to the weddings of the youngsters whom they first hosted as 12-year-olds!

And to mark the 20th anniversary, the Mayor of Verneuil, who could not accompany the group by coach, made a special flight from France to attend an evening reception at Corpus Christi Hall. Newly-appointed leader of Rainford Council, Phil Davies, was also present, while Father Stoker did Rainford proud by saying grace in fluent French!

During their stay, the French visitors also enjoyed days out with their host families to Liverpool, Southport and Chester and a return adult journey to France is planned for next May.

Anyone wishing to know more about the Rainford Twin Towns Association can contact either Annabel Yale on 885553 or Jean Thomas on 883095.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.