THE mayor of Redditch was presented with a special gift to commemorate 30 years of relations with a twin town in Northern France.

The gift, a painting, was presented by the Redditch’s Friends of Gruchet group, on behalf of the mayor of Gruchet-le-Valasse, Didier Peralta.

The group had received the gift when a delegation from the Normandy commune visited Redditch last month.

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

Jenny said: “The Friends of Gruchet were honoured to be able to host our French visitors 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."

Cllr Akbar, like previous mayors of Redditch, has now become the president of the Friends of Gruchet.

He 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."

Gruchet has been twinned with Redditch since 1992 and became a full twin town in 2006, joining Auxerre, Mtwara, St Elizabeth, and Gujar Khan as Redditch's other twin towns.