A plaque, commissioned from local ceramicist Sue Exton, was presented to Christian Lacombe, president of the Carbonne/Monmouth Twinning Association to celebrate 40 years of the twinning of the two towns.

The design features Monmouth's coat-of-arms, which was mounted on Welsh slate together with a suitable inscription by Carrie Horwood of Taurus Crafts.

The presentation took place at the conclusion of a dinner at Monmouth School's Pavilion, and each of the French guests received coasters featuring the Monnow Bridge Gatehouse to mark the occasion.

The busy four day visit of the Carbonnais included visits to the Nelson Museum, the Masonic Lodge, Castle House, Monnow Bridge Gatehouse, Cornwall House, and a well-attended concert in St. Mary's, organised by Amy Ritter (Head of Music) and pupils at Monmouth Comprehensive School.

There was also a cream tea held, train rides, and a concluding hog roast at Bridges with entertainment by Monmouth Male Voice Choir.

The twinning scheme was set up in 1975 by the hard work of many residents and lead by mayors at the time Roger Smith in Monmouth and Jean-Pierre Soula in France.

The association has since enjoyed 40 years of exchange visits by social, educational, sporting and musical groups. Some of the photographs and stores from these exchanges can be seen in the display set-up by Shirley Smith in a shop window in Monnow Street.

The hardworking twinning committee, currently chaired by Mike Hargaden, would like to thank everyone in the town who contributed to the success of the weekend.

Special thanks go to all the businesses in Monnow Street which displayed posters, and those who decorated their windows in red, white and blue – very much appreciated by the visitors.