The Mayor of Falmouth was welcomed in Douarnenez this week at the beginning of her official visit to the port's twin town in Brittany. Mrs Maureen Davies took with her the good wishes of the people of Falmouth in the hope of expanding the twinning links into the wider community in both towns.

During her visit Mrs Davies was also planning to discuss with French officials how best that could be achieved.

"Twinning will only survive and flourish in the future if people at the grass roots in both towns are able to feel that they have a stake in it," said Mrs Davies at Monday's reception.

"We have already made some tentative progress in this direction over the past couple of years." That had included successful work placements from a vocational school in Douarnenez and employers in Falmouth including the town council and the Falmouth Art Gallery, she added.

"There must be many opportunities for links involving cultural organisations, sports clubs, professional bodies and educational establishments," she said.

In response, Madame Monique Prevost, mayor of Douarnenez said she was looking forward to building a solid base for working together. In her visit to Falmouth last year she had indicated some of the areas for exploration. A strong friendship was now in place between the two towns, twinned for 20 years, and both groups agreed there was still much work to be done to convince others that everyone could profit one way or another from the links.