Residents are asked to host twin town visitors

A "friendship stone" in Ashford town centre commemorates the link between the town and Bad Münstereifel

A council in Kent has asked residents to come forward to host visitors from its twin towns as part of anniversary celebrations.

Ashford Borough Council says 2024 marks the town's 60th anniversary of twinning with Bad Münstereifel, in Germany, and the 40th anniversary of its pairing with Fougères, in France.

The town is hosting a special anniversary visit in September and the Ashford Twinning Association (ATA) is running a free exhibition showcasing the relationships.

The council said: "ATA would be delighted to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved, particularly people who may want to host guests from one of the twin towns."

Ashford has been officially twinned with Bad Münstereifel for 60 years

Ashford's connection with Bad Münstereifel began in 1919, when it was occupied by British troops and Major J Goode formed bonds that lasted throughout World War One and World War Two, the council said.

The towns were officially twinned in 1964, it added.

The idea behind the initiative was to give young people from Germany and Britain a chance to get to know each other better..

The town's Fougères connection began in 1978, followed by an official ceremony in 1984.

Bad Münstereifel and Fougères are also twinned with each, and the partnerships between all three go beyond official annual civic visits.

The council said: "They extend to youth and school visits, exchanges between local organisations, sports clubs and associations such as the Ashford Beekeepers."

The council's portfolio holder for tourism and culture, Heather Hayward, said: “We are very proud of Ashford’s long history with our twin towns, and we are looking forward to hosting them on such a special year for us all."