WHEN the civic leaders of Derwentside first forged links with their counterparts in the German town of Werdohl three decades ago, the steel industry ran at the heart of their relationship.

Consett had a thriving steelworks and 17th century German settlers, who founded a sword-making industry at Shotley Bridge, originally came from near Werdhohl.

Werdohl supported part of the mighty Krupp steel industry.

The Consett Steel Works has now gone and the industry in Werdhohl has experienced a marked decrease in production, but the twinning bond is still very much alive, thanks to the efforts of the Derwentside Werdohl Friendship Club.

The club has fostered countless friendships through a busy programme of exchanges, ranging from cultural to sports and social activities.

This week, members looked back on the success which began as an idea on a bus trip back from Germany.

Mary Platten, who has just been elected chairwoman, got a place on a coach with the Consett football team in June 1977, after hosting a German girl the previous year.

She said: "I never knew what to expect. We all had such a fantastic time. We went there as strangers, but were welcomed into their homes as family.

"The link had been made. We decided that we would need to do something about it, so that we could reciprocate when they came back here, and on the coach back home decided to form a friendship club."

Among the other founding members were Tom Watson, Ted Defty, Alan Platten and Jean Gibbon, all of whom are still active in the group.

In 1978, Mrs Platten organised a trip taking a number of families to Werdohl and the following year took 40 young people and eight adults. It was another resounding success, and Mrs Platten arranged trips for several more years, before someone else took over the role.

She said: "Everyone has gained immensely from the links with Werdhohl. It has expanded my horizons and furthered my knowledge of another culture.

"I went on to study and get my O-level in German at New College, in Durham. German is no longer a foreign language to me."

Former club chairman and treasurer, Mr Watson, 71, of East Stanley, whose home is filled with memorabilia, cards and presents from German friends, spoke fondly of his first trip with the Consett football team in June 1977.

He said: "Our team was one person short, so they gave us one of theirs - who scored the winning goal for us. He was Hans Dieter Kurt, and we have just received a belated Christmas card from him and his wife.

"We not only made friends with Germans, but also with many people in Derwentside we had never met before.

"I am of the opinion that if there were more friendship clubs and town twinning in years gone by, we would have had fewer battles or wars."

He added: "We obviously made an impression on our first visit, because my wife and daughter were invited back for my daughter's 11th birthday.

"And we have been back every year since, sometimes up to three times a year. I have also learned how to speak German.

"We have watched their children grow up, been to their birthday parties, weddings and confirmations.

"We would never have a holiday like it otherwise. We are treated like royalty every time we go."

Mrs Gibbon, 69, of Shotley Bridge, said she initially became involved through the Consett Photographic Society, which exchanged photographs with counterparts in Werdohl.

After hosting some families and individuals, Mrs Gibbon made her first trip.

She said: "I have met a lot of friends and go over three to four times a year.

"I have learned to speak German fluently and it has widened my scope of knowledge and enriched my life.

"I not only have friends in Werdohl, but a wider network throughout Germany."

She added: "I have just returned from the Christmas market, where I helped out. On my arrival, I had dinner with no fewer than 18 friends and went on to visit many more."

This year's trip, organised by the previous chairman Graham Jordan, saw a large contingent come to the region for the Tall Ships Race on the Tyne, with trips to Jarrow, Durham and Alnwick and a flutter at Sunderland Dog Stadium.

Trips to Werdohl are held over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, while Werdohl visitors arrive over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

More than 20 people are expected this year, and the club members are always looking for homes to host the visitors. Anyone who can help will be asked to provide a breakfast, packed lunch on some days and an evening meal. There is also the chance of a return visit to Germany.

The next meeting of the friendship club will be at the Lanchester Cricket Club at 8pm on January 19. Everyone is welcome. For information, contact Mrs Platten on (01207) 235305 or club secretary David Ward on (01207) 520545.