Since it all began in 1953, people from Darlington and Mlheim an der Ruhr have participated in annual exchanges - town officials, schools, music and sports clubs, professional contacts and language students have all been involved.

The fact that friendships are still flourishing after half a century is proof that people have no difficulty in extending the hand of friendship across country borders.

Mlheim has a population of 178,000 and is in the western part of Germany's Ruhr industrial region.

The town has grown due to the spectacular success of one great industrial dynasty, the Thyssen family, whose steel mills have dominated the town since the early part of the last century.

Like its British counterpart, industry has had to diversify in recent years and Mlheim also has new technology factories alongside older plants making carpets, paper, leather and beer.

In common with Darlington, Mlheim is a transport centre, with strong rail and water networks.

Mlheim's most important building is the heavily restored Broich Palace, which stands next to an open park dedicated to the North-East, called Darlington Park.

The city is busy at any season, but during Advent a Christmas market is held in the central pedestrian zone, selling craft items including candles, ironwork, wood carvings, Advent wreaths, cribs, jewellery, pottery and textiles.

A large Christmas tree, seasonal lights, and a background of Christmas music add to the atmosphere.

The aroma of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, sausages, sweets, preserves, and mulled wine, all contribute to the flavour of the cosy seasonal scene.

The Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas) is a regular sight in the build-up to Christmas.

Coincidentally, youngsters in Darlington and Mlheim are enjoying the same pantomime this year.

While Linda Lusardi and Sam Kane are performing in Snow White at Darlington's Civic Theatre, in Mlheim, two fairytales, Snow White and Hansel and Gretel are being retold.

There is a strong choral tradition in the Ruhr valley. Most choirs have been giving their own Christmas concert or singing in the open air at the town's Christmas market, performing well known carols such as O Tannenbaum (Oh! Christmas Tree) and Stille Nacht (Silent Night), and other traditional German festive songs.

While people are getting up on Christmas morning in Darlington, the main family celebrations in Mlheim an der Ruhr will already have taken place.

Presents are exchanged and opened on Christmas Eve, brought by the Christ child, often after the family has visited an evening church service.

Then the main Christmas meal is eaten, usually fish, and traditionally carp.

As in Darlington, shops close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day - known in Germany as Second Christmas Day.

The town welcomes visitors from Darlington at any time during the year, but for a really special Christmas why not consider visiting the twin town next December.