A special gift was presented to the Mayor of Redditch to mark 30 years of relations with a twin town in Northern France.

Cllr Salman Akbar was presented with a painting from Gruchet-le-Valasse Mayor Didier Peralta by Redditch’s Friends of Gruchet group, who received the framed gift when a group from the Normandy commune visited Redditch last month.

Jenny Wheeler, chairperson of the Friends and a former mayor of Redditch herself, gave the painting to Cllr Akbar at Redditch Town Hall.

Jenny said: “The Friends of Gruchet were honoured to be able to host our French visitors over the weekend of the 2nd of June, and it was extra special this time not only because it was the first time in five years, but also because it allowed us to mark the passing of 30 years since the signing of the Friendship Charter between the towns. We’re now looking forward to visiting Gruchet ourselves next spring.”

Cllr Akbar, like previous Mayors of Redditch, has become president of the Friends.

Cllr Akbar said: “This is a wonderful gesture from our French counterparts and it will receive pride of place for everyone to enjoy. Redditch is proud to have friends all over the world and I’d like to thank the members of the Friends of Gruchet for continuing to fly the flag for Redditch and maintain good relations abroad.”

Gruchet began links with Redditch in 1992 and in 2006 it became a full twin town, taking its place alongside Auxerre, also in France and Redditch’s first twin in 1956, Mtwara in Tanzania, St Elizabeth in Jamaica, and Gujar Khan in Pakistan.

Pictured above

(L-R): Sarah Rennie, Cllr Salman Akbar, Steve Wheeler, Jenny Wheeler, Paul Frizzelle, Rosie Frizzelle.