LINKS with Bromsgrove's twin town, Gronau, were strengthened at the weekend when a party of 11 visitors from Germany paid a civic visit to the town.

Led by Gronau's Burgermeister Karl-Heinz Holtwisch, the party arrived in Birmingham - by air - at lunchtime on Friday.

They were greeted at the Council House in Bromsgrove, by district council chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) where gifts were exchanged.

The visitors were presented with an inscribed gavel and block while Cllr Gill was handed a picture of an historic building and a cash donation for his chosen charity the local branch of Macmillan Cancer Care.

After lunch the party enjoyed a visit to Avoncroft Museum at Stoke Heath.

This was followed by a musical evening at the Spadesboure Suite where they were later joined by members of Bromsgrove and District Twinning Association.

On Saturday they were guestss of the Mayor of Worcester. Cllr David Clark and his wife, Lynn at the Guildhall.

This was followed by a visit to the city's Cathedral and the porcelain works.

A skittles evening at the Fountain Inn, Clent, rounded off a busy day.

On Sunday it was free time to explore Bromsgrove before the visitors said farewell to their hosts over lunch at the Council House.

Cllr Gill commented later: "It was a magical weekend and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"The visit did much to foster the already excellent relationship that exist between the two towns."

he added.