Cleethorpes and twin town Königswinter mark 50 years of friendship

Cleethorpes, left, and Königswinter have been twinned for 50 years

People are being asked to share childhood memories of trips to Cleethorpes' twin town in Germany.

Since 1974, the Lincolnshire town has been twinned with Königswinter in Germany.

Events are being held throughout 2024 to celebrate the 50-year anniversary, said North East Lincolnshire Council.

A school party from Cleethorpes visited their German counterparts in July 1976, and civic leaders are keen to trace them.

Councillor Keith Brookes, chairman of Cleethorpes Trustees, said: "This bond between our two towns is an important one that we must never forget.

"It's exciting to hear about the first visits and we would love for any teachers or students who were part of them to come forward and tell us their story."

Members of the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Youth Orchestra also visited in October 1977.

A ceremony to formally declare the twinning of the towns was held at Cleethorpes Pier Pavilion in March 1975.

Anyone who was part of the first visits to Königswinter is asked to contact Mr Brookes at the council.

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