A SPECTACULAR civic welcome will be extended to a visiting delegation from Ilkley's twin town, Coutances.

People are invited to greet the French delegation and partake in the pomp and ceremony at Ilkley Town Hall, on Saturday, at 10am.

The visitors, led by David Lerouge, the deputy mayor of the French town, will be treated to a guard of honour, in the form of the First Battalion Prince Wales' own Regiment of Yorkshire.

The 1224 Wharfedale Squadron Air Training Corps will also be on hand to bear standards.

The Tewitt Youth Band of Harrogate will herald the occasion by playing the national anthems of both countries.

Following an official address on the steps of the town hall, the parties will then move inside for a civic reception.

Coun Michael Gibbons, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council said: "I am very much looking forward to it. At a time of great trouble in the world, I am very happy to greet a delegation from another country and to show our friendship and offer our hospitality."

The visitors will spend the weekend with host families in the town and enjoy visits to Bradford Town Hall and Saltaire and a civic dinner.

There will also be a special service at St Margaret's Church, in Ilkley, on Sunday, at 10.30am, to which all are invited.

Gordon Hamflett, chairman of Ilkley's Twinning Committee, said he, too, was greatly looking forward to the visit.

He said: "It is very important. The twinning link between Ilkley and Coutances goes back more than 30 years.

"There is a strong sense of friendship between the two towns. As well as official delegations, there are other organisations in the town who have made their own twinning contacts, such as the Rotary Club."