TOWNSFOLK are invited to join the latest goodwill visit to enjoy the late summer festivities in its German partner community.

Seaham Town Council, in County Durham, is organising the trip to its twin town of Gerlingen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Wurttemberg.

The visit is planned to coincide with the annual Strassenfest, taking place over a week in early to mid-September, in the community which lies between the cities of Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg.

Party members will leave Seaham, by coach, on Wednesday September 7, returning the following Wednesday (September 14).

There is a £250 charge per person, dependent on final numbers, with each place subject to a £100 deposit, payable at the time of booking.

Regular hosts who have taken part in previous exchange trips to Gerlingen were given the first opportunity to put their names down for places on board, from last month, but anyone else living or working in Seaham can now apply to also make bookings.

Reciprocal visits between groups from Seaham and Gerlingen have been fostered since the initial forging of links between the towns, in April 1988.

Further information on the Gerlingen twinning visit is available at Seaham Town Hall, in Stockton Road, or by ringing 0191-581 8034.