MEMBERS of the Ilminster and District Twinning Association have enjoyed a marvellous weekend hosting their French friends from Brittany.

A 29-strong party of men, women and children left the village of Riec-sur-Belon and arrived in Ilminster on Friday, May 6.

The following day, the hosts and guests enjoyed a picnic at Barrington Village Hall, and then visited the splendour of Barrington Court and Gardens on a fine afternoon. The evening was spent with a meal at the Meeting House in Ilminster, followed by music from Anglo-French group Quarante Quatre.

The two groups bade an emotional farewell on the Sunday morning. Member Ken Courtney said: "We all assembled in the Wharf Lane car park to bid a fond farewell to our French friends. There were some tears and lots of hugs and kisses after what had been a very enjoyable, but much too short weekend."