A GROUP of German visitors has given a North-East charity a cash boost during a trip to the region.

The delegation from Kreis Wesel enjoyed a five-day working visit to County Durham as part of a twinning arrangement with the area that has lasted more than six decades.

During the visit, organised by Durham County Council, the group handed over a cheque for €500 to the North East Air Ambulance Service (NEAAS).

The NEAAS is the chosen charity of the Chairman of Durham County Council, Cllr Bill Kellett, who accepted the cheque alongside Laura Simpson from the NEAAS.

Cllr Kellett said: “I am very pleased to accept this generous donation from our friends in Kreis Wesel. I am sure it will be very gratefully received by the NEAAS, which is an extremely worthy recipient.”

County Durham has been linked to Kreis Wesel since 1953 and over the last 64 years the two areas have taken part in a variety of collaborative projects involving residents and professionals from across the county.

The relationship aims to develop friendships and improve understanding between people in the two countries, encourage investment and economic links and help people improve their professional skills and exchange examples of best practice.

The latest visit to County Durham by five councillors and two council officers from Kreis Wesel included the chance to hear about the council’s Area Action Partnerships, economic developments in the county, Durham City regeneration plans and residents’ response to flooding in Chester-le-Street.

The group also visited Binchester Roman Fort, Durham Regatta and a nature reserve built on the former colliery site in Easington.