NEYLAND’S twinning with the French town of Sanguinet was made official last week, as the French guests sample local music, food and culture during a four-day tour of the county.

After their arrival on Friday (April 11), the visitors enjoyed a range of activities - including visits to St David’s Cathedral and Porthgain, and a boat trip along the river Cleddau.

Saturday saw Mayor Cllr Maureen Molyneux and Bernard Laine (former Mayor of Sanguinet) sign the twinning agreement, with newly elected Mayor of Sanguinet, Fabiene Laine, praising the new union.

The Royal Air Force Cadet Band, 14th. Signals Regiment, British Legion, Neyland Army Cadets, RNLI and local groups with Cllr. Dai Boswell Parade Marshal then led a parade through the town, which was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative twinning plaque. Floral tributes were also laid at the Cenotaph, followed by the official salute.

During their stay, guests also visited County Hall, where they presented council chairman Arwyn Williams with a beret.

Before leaving, officials from Neyland Town Council presented their French counterparts with a Welsh slate photo frame with a Celtic cross insert.

Mayor Cllr Molyneux said she had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support from her fellow councillors, and local choirs, groups, churches and volunteer drivers. She also thanked local sponsors Neyland Co-op, Dale Sailing and Business Solutions, Llanstadwell.

“A great deal of time and planning goes into a visit like this and it has all been worthwhile,” she added. “When I wished ‘bon voyage’ to our friends of Sanguinet they were full of praise for their welcome by the townspeople of Neyland and the town councillors who had joined us during their stay.”