LINKS with the Polish town of Glubczyce look set to be strengthened following last week's visit by their school choir.

Barnoldswick Town Council chairman, Coun Marjorie Adams, exchanged gifts with Glubczyce Mayor Jozef Pich during the visit and it's hoped twinning arrangements may grow from the visit.

On Thursday night, the mixed choir enthralled an audience at St Andrew's with selections from a repertoire including church music, folk songs, spirituals and popular songs.

The outstanding quality and invention displayed by the choir underlined the world class standard of the youngsters.

Whilst members of the choir visited Malham during Friday, town councillors Marjorie Adams and David Whipp took Mr Pich, headteacher Edward Woloszyn and Polish organiser Joanna Deren on a tour of Barnoldswick.

The delegation visited West Craven High School, the sports centre, police station, library, Anchor Inn, Silentnight, Rolls-Royce and Carrprint.

On Saturday, Barnoldswick Town Council hosted an event at St Joseph's Parish Centre to thank the choir for their visit.

Members of up-and-coming Barlick band ILS played to a hall full of visitors, host families and members of the town's Polish community.

Coun Marjorie Adams presented the visitors with Barnoldswick tankards, mugs and candles.

"I'd like to say a big 'Thank You' to the choir, and all the people involved in organising the trip, both in Poland and here in England," she said.

"The choir is world class. They perform so beautifully. They are a credit to their town and country. All the members should feel very proud of themselves.

"Much credit must also go to the conductor Taduez Eckert, whose inspirational leadership has made the choir into the finely tuned instrument they are today.

"Of course, the choir may have sung beautifully for many years, and we in Barnoldswick might never have heard it. For bringing them here, we must thank Joanna Deren and Peter Elgie.

"We have also been honoured by the presence of Edward Woloszyn, headteacher, and Jozef Pich, Mayor of Glubczyce. Barnoldswick Town Council is very interested in fostering more extensive cultural exchanges with our new friends in Poland.

"We hope it will not be too long before young people from Barnoldswick visit Glubczyce. Both our communities will grow stronger by such a link."

Coun Adams added: "I'd like to thank all the families who have acted as hosts to the members of the choir and our distinguished visitors, together with all the people who have helped feed and otherwise look after everyone.

"The Town Council also thanks the organisations and individuals who welcomed Mr Mayor and our party as we toured Barnoldswick yesterday.

"Thank you very much to everyone!"

In reply, Glubzcyce Mayor, Jozef Pich presented the Town Council with a large vase featuring the coat of arms of his town.

He thanked Barnoldswick for the hospitality extended to the choir and expressed a wish that the visit could lead to closer links between the two communities.