TOWN-TWINNERS in Derwentside are celebrating 30 years of friendship with a town in a German steelmaking area.

Derwentside established official civic links with Werdohl, in the German Sauerland, in 1975, but a year later local people who made the first visit to Germany decided to set up a more formal group and the Derwentside-Werdohl Friendship Group was formed.

A party from Derwentside has just returned home after another successful twin-town visit. At least two exchange visits a year have been held between Derwentside and Werdohl, with more than 1,500 people travelling since the first exchange trip.

Seventeen Derwentsiders flew to Kln and visited friends in Werdohl and the surrounding area.

Their itineraries included excursions to Duisburg, Bonn, as well as popular tourist attractions.

The Derwentside group is planning a week's programme for a group of more than 20 of their German friends, who will visit next month to coincide with the Tall Ships Race, on Tyneside.

Club chairman Graham Jordan, 35, said: "We all had a great time in Werdohl.

"It's a beautiful area and I've always been bowled over by the warmth of the welcome we have always received in Germany.

"Going on a friendship visit is a great way to see a different country, experience their culture first hand, meet new people and maybe try a new language, but most of all, to have a really enjoyable holiday."

Anyone interested in finding out more, or visiting Germany next year, can contact club secretary Keith Anthony on (01207) 563552, attend meetings on the third Thursday of the month - except August - at the Harperley Hotel, Tanfield Lea, or visit the club's website at www.derwentsidewerdohl.org.u