A PACKED programme of activities is planned for visitors from Blackburn with Darwen's twin towns, Altena in Germany and Peronne in France, when they arrive for an economic and cultural tour of the borough this weekend.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Dorothy Walsh, who will welcome the visitors, said: "I am delighted the twin towns' visit is to our borough during my mayoral year.

"The friendship between our three communities goes from strength to strength and fully endorses the original idea behind the town twinning movement - to know and understand each other better.

"We have a packed programme of activities planned and we fully intend to give our visitors a weekend to remember."