IT’S all change at the top for the ever-evolving Haltwhistle Town Twinning Association.

Nigel Jarvis is standing down as chairman of the organisation, which has links with towns in France and Italy.

Nigel, who runs the Four Wynds Guest House in Greenhead and is also chairman of the Heart of Hadrian’s Wall Tourism Assocation, is stepping aside from town twinning duties to focus on matters closer to home.

Now the chairman is set to be replaced by two presidents – the incoming Sheila Cook and Ruth Seager.

It follows the success of last summer’s exchange visit, which saw children and adults from French town St Meen Le Grand and Italian town Valentano enjoy a week-long stay with host families in Haltwhistle.

Nigel said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chairman and promote the undoubted benefits of town twinning.

“I believe the chairman should always be present on exchange visits and as I have other commitments, I believe the time is right to let others take it forward.”

Sheila and Ruth will be known as presidents – in keeping with the town twinning associations in France and Italy.

Nigel took over as chairman from the long-serving Malcolm Todd, who died in December 2015.

It was Malcolm who forged links with Valentano in 2008, ensuring a three-way town twinning link.

Nigel added: “Malcolm did a lot of good and we have tried to carry that on.

“We are trying to get more young people involved, and are working with Haltwhistle’s youth initiative, Young and Sweet.”

Haltwhistle Town Twinning Association currently has between 30 and 40 members. Monthly meetings take place at Haltwhistle Comrades’ Club. For more information visit www.haltwhistle.org/town-twinning.html