THE architect of twinning between a County Durham village and a German town has died.

Herr Heinrich Myers suffered a heart attack on Christmas morning.

The mayor and chief executive of Hamminkeln, Herr Myers had just returned from church and was clearing snow from his home when he collapsed.

He was found by Briggita, his wife of two years.

Herr Myers was a regular visitor to Sedgefield village with parties from his home country throughout an 18-year association.

His funeral will take place at 2pm today and, to coincide with this, a mass will be held in St John Fisher RC Church, Sedgefield, starting at 1pm.

The mass has been arranged by Sedgefield Twinning Association, in conjunction with Father John Caden and the Rector of Sedgefield, the Reverend Martin King.

Anyone who has been associated with twinning between the two communities over the years is invited to attend the service