Youngsters from Tetbury have returned from a trip to Chatillon Sur Indre as part of a twinning exchange.

The group visited the French town where they participated in an event hosted by Europe en Berry Touraine to celebrate friendships across Europe.

Organised by Tetbury and District Twinning Association, the trip was to their twin town in France – Chatillon Sur Indre.

It’s the 4th time young people from Tetbury have visited the French town and they were joined by children from 26 other European countries in a large-scale event to improve cultural understanding and friendship across the continent.

This year the children attended a conference and a workshop where small groups of mixed nationalities discussed equality and freedom, how important this is to each of them and how this is perceived in the country they live.

It gave them opportunity to test their language skills, share cultures and their mutual knowledge.

It is hoped the new skills learnt and openness to the world will help them build their professional and social future in the diverse world we live.

The children also took part in Fete Nationale - Frances national day flying the union jack symbolising the unity and solidarity that brings us all together.

They also visited a European village at Buzancais where each country displayed their culture, crafts, folklore/customs and present local dishes from all over Europe.

Cotswold District Councillor Richard Norris (Tetbury with Upton ward) is one of the main organisers of the exchange and has been involved for many years with the twinning between Tetbury and Chatillon Sur Indre.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to help organise and accompany the children on this trip.

"The children were incredible ambassadors and had a fantastic time while been totally immersed in new countries, cultures, customs and languages.

“Everybody agrees it’s really important as a town we provide as many opportunities and activities for our young people as possible and this trip was an amazing success.

"In addition I am really pleased I managed to support the visit with a £1,000 grant from Cotswold District Council which helped make the whole thing happen."