THE kindness of the people from a small town in the south of France has been praised by a local councillor.

In troubled times the town has been praised for demonstrating what real international support and co-operation can do.

It has shown how friendship and support can cross national boundaries.

Bridget Thomas, who was returned for Tenbury, unopposed at the elections for Malvern Hills District Council last year, lived in France for 11 years.

“Tenbury suffered so badly with the flooding in February and not just Tenbury residents, but those in our twin town in France and the Municipal Department in Agen have answered our distress calls and have sent over £6,000 for the flood victims,” said Ms Thomas.

“This is money collected by those who have for so many years been part of a fantastic liaison. This started 36 years ago with rugby being the main theme.

“The visits take place every two years, alternating between the two towns.

“The year 2017 was the turn of Pont du Casse being welcomed once again to Tenbury. There had been much organisation headed by Peter Cole and Elizabeth Weston to make this trip memorable, including a double-decker bus trip to the Severn Valley Railway for a day out.

“Last year in August, many people went to Pont du Casse and were supremely entertained, with rides in classic cars and an evening spent eating and dancing the night away with all the locals in the Village Square.”

A visit from the people of Pont du Casse to Tenbury is scheduled for the summer of 2021 although this is dependent upon the situation with Covid-19.

“Therefore, it was an enormous gesture of financial help that was sent by the wonderful members of the Twinning Group to aid those in need in Tenbury,” added Ms Thomas.

“In 2024 we shall be celebrating 40 years of twinning and any interested parties please contact the chairman Elizabeth Weston on (01584) 831126.”