OLD friendships were cemented and new ones forged as a South Hams village welcomed 56 French twinners

Every other year since 1992 groups of villagers from Bodilis in France have visited their twin village of Holbeton.

Last month saw the arrival of the biggest group to date with 56 Breton twinners ranging from eight to 87, hosted by Holbeton families.

A spokeswoman from Holbeton twinners said: 'Much fun and laughter was had at all the various get-togethers and events during the weekend.'

On the Saturday over a hundred travelled to Haytor in Dartmoor, after a group picnic the group visited the House of Marbles before filling Holbeton Church read for the South Hams Choir.

The spokeswoman added: 'Tumultuous applause greeted their singing, conducted by musical director Peter Cook.

Everybody then mingled over a glass of wine before walking down to the hall for dinner, followed by entertainment.

'Bodilis danced and got us all to our feet singing what has become the twinning anthem, "Jean Petit".

'The grand finale was a reprise of the can-can danced first on the Holbeton stage to launch the twinning in 1992.

'Three long legged girls amazed us with their feats of agility, as did the three beautiful boys who joined them. They all made a stunning impression.'

The following day the majority of people walked down towards the beach through the gardens of Mothecombe House.

Around 60 played or watched a variety of rounders before all generations competed in a tug of war.

The twinning spokeswoman said: 'We managed to cram one more meal in before it was off to the ferry terminal to wave a fond farewell. Old friendships cemented. New friendships forged.

'The numerous new families both French and English really injected a vibrant energy into the weekend.'

Holbeton Primary School will be taking its Year 5 and 6 students to Bodilis in June.