A ROTARY Club has welcomed its namesake from across the Atlantic.

For the last week, The Rotary Club of Durham has been playing host to visitors from The Rotary Club of Durham, North Carolina in the United States.

Over the last four years, the two groups have forged a twinning friendship, working together to raise funds for good causes across the world including a clean water system in Cambodia, providing medical equipment in Venezuela and a kitchen for street children in Uruguay.

During their visit to the UK, the American visitors met British club members at Ramside Hall Hotel, made trips to Beamish Museum, Hadrian’s Wall and York.

Earlier today (Thursday, September 11) they were given a civic reception by the mayor and mayoral bodyguard at Durham Town Hall.

Vandana Dake, president of the Rotary Club of Durham, North Carolina, said: “It has been a real honour and privilege to come to England this week to visit the beautiful and historic city of Durham, UK.

“We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic generosity of our hosts and warmly extend the invitation for them to pay us a return visit next year, as we celebrate our 100th anniversary.

“We are delighted that the two clubs have forged such a close friendship and we look forward to working together on many more international projects in the future."

David Yates, president of Rotary Club of Durham, added: “This co-operation between the two clubs is a fantastic example of how groups and people throughout the world can work together to make a real difference to the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves."