VISITORS from across the channel were given a robust welcome when they arrived in Carnforth during the final stages of a Town Criers’ Competition.

Arriving after a 13-hour coach journey from northern France, the 35 visitors from Carnforth’s twin town of Sailly sur la Lys were just in time to see the end of the competition, organized by Carnforth Criers’ Committee.

They were then taken on a guided tour of Carnforth’s new station buildings, due to open on July 4, led by the chairman of the Friends of Carnforth Station and twinning committee member, Bob Roe, before enjoying a Lancashire hot-pot in the Royal Station Hotel.

The twinning visit included a poignant moment when gifts presented to Sailly’s mayor, Madame Annie Van Cortenbosch, included a Book of Honour, listing the details of every Carnforth soldier who has died in two world wars in the Nord/Pas de Calais area.

The Book was prepared by Brigadier Jim Dennis of Lancaster Memorial Heritage Group’s war memorial project.

It was presented on behalf of the twinning association by the deputy mayor and twinning committee founder member, Frank Barton.

The Book, along with a 19th century photograph of Carnforth’s Market Street, given by the Mayor of Carnforth, Coun Sheila McNulty, will be placed in Sailly’s Mairie.

Other gifts included a framed colour photograph of a recent aerial view of Carnforth, presented by founder member and former Mayor, George Birkett.

The occasion included the signing of a twinning oath for this side of the channel with Carnforth’s High School orchestra playing the two national anthems for the ceremony.

During their visit the French party took part in the Whit Sunday procession, chosen by the Mayor as Civic Sunday, after which both Mayors laid wreaths at the war memorial.

Other highlights of the visit included trips to Heysham’s 8th century church, the Warton area, and Cartmel.

French food and agricultural science teacher, Pierre Thullier, found time to visit Christ Church Primary School where he met the pupils.