RELATIONS between town twinners is stronger than ever, despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Visitors from the French town Noyon joined their friends in Hexham to cement a relationship which has spanned 27 years.

Hexham mayor, Coun. Bob Hull, said: “Town twinning will be an important part of Hexham and the UK’s relations with our European friends, whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.

“There is a need to strengthen relations to allow both towns to become even closer and to involve young people from our respective towns more.”

A highlight while in Hexham for the French visitors was a ceilidh in Hexham Abbey’s Great Hall, accompanied by music from the Hexham Village Band.

Noyon will return the favour and welcome visitors from Hexham to its town at a date yet to be scheduled. Before then, people from Hexham have a trip to its German twin town, Metzingen, to look forward to in October.