A friendship initiative between Cirencester and the City of Bathurst was celebrated at a special dinner.

The link began back in 2017 after visits to the city in New South Wales by The Earl Bathurst as well as Cllr Mark Harris.

The city council then approached Cirencester with an idea to form a friendship.

Cirencester has played host to visitors and dignitaries from the Australian city with more to come later in the year.

Made by Bob were the hosts for the evening, and created an Aussie inspired menu for the event with garlic crumb Green Lip mussels to start.

This was then followed by Yabbies with lemongrass, chilli and garlic and a main of charred lamb, green chipotle lime cauliflower steaks and macadamia nuts or a cracked crab.

MBB executive chef Ethan Rodgers said: “It was a lovely evening and great to cook for so many local dignitaries and members of Cirencester Community Development Trust whom I know back the friendship.

"I have heard a lot of exciting things about the link-up between Cirencester and Bathurst so it is great to be involved.”

£500 was raised on the night and will go to the initiative to give a second student from Cirencester the opportunity to travel to Australia, be it through holiday, work, study, sports or in the voluntary sector.

18-year-old Cirencester College student Alice Chandler was the first young person to be sent to Bathurst in October 2018.

Anyone wishing to be considered as the next ambassador to visit Bathurst should email info@cirencesterbathurst.org.