A PARTY of German visitors has returned home after a successful exchange trip to the North-East.

Twenty visitors from the town of Werdohl visited Derwentside - bringing to more than 1,500 the number of visitors since the two areas were twinned in 1976.

Councillor Elizabeth Coulson, chairwoman of Derwentside District Council, welcomed the visitors.

During their stay, they watched the Tall Ships fireworks display on the Tyne, went on trips to Jarrow, Durham and Alnwick and enjoyed a flutter at Sunderland Dog Stadium.

On the last night, visitors and host families attended a farewell party at the Raven Hotel, near Ebchester.

Graham Jordan, chairman of the Derwentside-Werdohl Friendship Club, said: "Our German friends have had a great time here in Derwentside, despite the poor weather later in the week.

"We've had a very busy time and it has been nice to be able to show new visitors what Derwentside and the North-East has to offer."

The areas were twinned because of their shared steelmaking heritage and also the 17th Century German settlers who founded a sword-making industry at Shotley Bridge originally came from near Werdohl.

For more information on the twin programme, ring club secretary Keith Anthony on (01207) 563552 for more information.