A LONG-STANDING entente cordiale between Ilkley and its twin town Coutances was further strengthened this week with a special visit.

A delegation, headed by the deputy mayor of the town, David Lerouge, crossed the Channel to enjoy hospitality and friendship in Ilkley.

The group's arrival was heralded with all the pomp and regalia of a civic reception, at Ilkley Town Hall, on Saturday morning.

They were greeted with a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion The Prince of Wales' Own Regiment of Yorkshire and by standard bearers of 1224 Wharfedale Squadron Air Training Corps.

Their visit was further marked by music from the Tewit Youth Band of Harrogate.

Many townsfolk also assembled to enjoy the festivities and welcome the visitors. The group then attended a reception inside the town hall, hosted by Michael Gibbons, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council.

The respective presidents of the towns' twinning committees, Gordon Hamflett and Jocelyne Vaquer spoke warmly of the strong links between them, which were established more than 30 years ago.

The group was taken on a tour of some of the interesting spots in the region, including Saltaire and Ripley Castle.

The guests were also treated to a civic service at St Margaret's Church and a dinner, at which Coun Ghazanfer Khaliq, the Lord Mayor of Bradford was present.

Coun Michael Gibbons said: "I believe the weekend's events will have done much to strengthen the bond between the two towns and their peoples.

"David Lerouge said he was looking forward immensely to receiving our next delegation in October, 2002."

Mr Hamflett, who has chaired the Ilkley Twinning Committee, for several years, said: "It was a wonderful weekend. All the arrangements went very well and there was a marvellous warmth and rapport between the Ilkley hosts and Coutances guests."