The Bürgermeister, or Mayor, of twinned town Waldbronn met Monmouth's Mayor durng their recent trip to the area.

Franz Masino brought fifty burgers of Waldbron, including six members of the youth council, aged between fourteen and eighteen, for a cultural visit.

Aimed at strengthening cultural ties, Herr Masino is keen to encourage future generations to enjoy the link with Monmouth, "We are trying to organise links between our schools so young people can benefit from a language and cultural exchange."

"It is important to bring young people over here - they are our future."

Richard Bond, the president of the Monmouth – Waldbronn Twinning Association, explained that historically there had been school exchanges but these have proved more difficult to arrange with the prevalence of health and safety constraints. The association is hoping to encourage local secondary schools to get involved in the future.

The visitors, who are in Monmouth for 6 days, are staying with local host families and enjoying a packed itinerary of cultural, gastronomic and friendship exchange.

Waldbronn is situated in the north of the Black Forest, who's wild beauty matches that of Monmouthshire.

Monmouth is also twinned with the French town of Carbonne.

If you are interested in joining the Monmouth Waldbronn Twinning Association contact Richard Bond at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01600 714357.