Largs said bonjour to their town twinning friends from France, who felt right at home in the warm weather during their trip.

The town twinning association welcomed 20 guests from the town of Andernos-les-Bains during their five-day trip from Wednesday June 27 to Monday July 2.

North Ayrshire Provost, Ian Clarkson, welcomed the group with a reception and tour of the Irvine Burns Club and its Robert Burns Artefacts.

The French visitors also enjoyed trips further afield to the Robert Burns Centre in Alloway, the City Chambers and Kelvin Art Gallery.

Chairman of Largs Town Twinning Association, Richard Wilkinson, said: “We had a very successful visit from 20 of our French friends who were very happy with everything we arranged.

“Of course, with the weather and their friendly hosts, they felt very much at home.

“The visit ended in a suitable Scottish fashion on the Sunday evening with a ceilidh in Clark Memorial Church Hall

“I would like to thank all the hosts, committee, shopkeepers and friends in Largs and area for their support for the visit and the hospitality shown, also thanks to the Provost for his reception.”

Visitors were able to soak up some of the Largs culture, eating in Nardini’s and Finns Restaurant.

The chairman even welcomed them in to his home with a special alfresco supper in his garden.

The farewell ceilidh brought a lively and traditional end to a week of enjoyment and was kept going by Largs Scottish Country dancers

They were also accompanied by Susan McFayden on the accordion, fiddler Chris Miller, Tom Martin on the concertina and four ladies playing the ukulele, including Mary Renick, Jessie Scott and Agnus Kennedy.

Whilst some of the group departed on the Monday, others stayed on to further explore Scotland in the sunshine.

This year marks almost 10 years since the towns were twinned, with hopes that the relationship will continue to grow stronger.

Richard added that they will make a return trip next year and would like to hear from people who would like to be part of their activities.

Everyone is welcome to join through their online site www.largstowntwinning.com.