A GROUP from west Cumbria visited Normandy earlier this month as part of a twinning scheme between two towns.

A small delegation from the Workington Twinning Association visited Val De Reuil in Normandy from July 5 to 8 to celebrate the twinning of the two towns, which has been in existence for more than 20 years.

The delegation watched the Olympic torch relay pass through the town and even an election count for the recent French elections.

Member of the association and Cumberland councillor Barbara Cannon said: "We watched the Olympic Torch relay pass through the Town. I managed to get two members of the Cumberland Athletic Club [AC] and the mayor to have a photo with the Olympic Flame.

"This is a rare event. On the Sunday I was invited along to visit a polling station being used for the national election. They do things differently there.

"Later that day, on the way back from a trip to Paris I got an invite to the election count in the town. We witnessed some history as the French rejected the far right.

"We were delighted to take up the opportunity to witness the Olympic Torch relay passing through our twin town. The event was brilliantly organised and created a wonderful atmosphere... hopefully this carries through into the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."

Dan Wilson, Chair of Cumberland AC added: "We were especially proud and privileged to be able to hold one of the torches whilst wearing our Cumberland AC kit.