THE mayor of Basingstoke and Deane marked the golden anniversary of the twinning of Basingstoke and Alençon with a visit to the French market town.

An official reception was held in the town’s Hotel de Ville, where mayor Councillor Diane Taylor and her consort Dr Andy Taylor were welcomed.

During the visit, there was an exchange of commemorative gifts and a renewal of the twinning charter was signed with the mayor of Alençon Emmanuel Darcissac to reaffirm the connection between the two towns.

The Basingstoke presence was strengthened by members of Basingstoke table tennis players who were there for their annual tournament with the Alençon team.

Cllr Taylor said: “It was a pleasure to attend the 50th anniversary of the twinning between Basingstoke and Alençon.

"This 50th anniversary is an important milestone and the accord between our two towns has been strengthened and friendships renewed.”