THEY may be separated by the English Channel, but the members of the twin town scheme in Ealing and France have proved their friendship is water-tight after more than two decades of exchanges.

The Friends of Marcq-en-Baroeul, Ealing's twin town in a suburb of Lille, Northern France, again played host to their neighbours with 18 people coming to the borough for an intensive language course as well as visits to London landmarks and lunch in the heart of Ealing.

During the three day exchange last week, the visitors were welcomed to the Mayor's Parlour, by Councillor Barbara Yerolemou, then taken for a special lunch at Monty's Tandoori restaurant in The Mall, followed by a trip to the Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert Museum before a competitive quiz on Anglo-French trivia.

Belinda Simpson, chair of the Friends of Marcq, said: "It's like a foundation of education, culture and friendship and from its humble beginnings, the club is now in its 23rd year. So much good comes from the activities and the twinning and we're lucky to have the support from everyone involved."

The Friends-of-Marcq was formed in 1987 and currently has 105 members in Ealing and 400 in France.

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