THE 'town twinning' group in Largs are looking to boost their membership with a special event next month - ahead of a visit to the town from its French 'twin' this summer.
A social evening is planned in the function room of Sharps Bar in Nelson Street on Thursday, May 4 from 7.30pm for anyone who is interested in finding out more.
A delegation from Largs' twin town of Andernos in south-west France is making the journey to Scotland in August.
The official twinning with Andernos les Bains was marked at a signing in ceremony in Largs in January 2009, sparking a friendship which has endured and blossomed in the 14 years since.
The bond between the two towns has been kept strong over the years, with regular visits to the French twin as well as welcoming visitors to Largs.
Chairperson David Watson said: "During the pandemic we were not able to visit Andernos or to host visitors from our twin town.
"This summer we will be hosting visitors from Andernos again in Largs from Monday, August 21 until Friday, August 25.
"It is a great opportunity to meet new people and to practise speaking French if you can, even if you can’t, many of our French visitors want to practise speaking English."
Snacks will be provided at next month's event as well as presenting an opportunity to find out more about the group and its plans for the summer.
The French delegation will stay in the homes of local families during the visit, as they have throughout the years of the relationship, with those in Andernos returning the favour when the Largs group go to France - fostering friendships as well as keeping costs to a minimum.
Many Largs residents have enjoyed the hospitality of Andernos over the years, with organised trips to the famous Bordeaux Wine Festival and the area's oyster festivals.
Visitors to Largs from Andernos have enjoyed trips to the Viking Festival, Kelburn and, in 2013, took part in the Town Twin Sporting Games, held at Inverclyde Sports Centre and a number of other sporting venues in the the town.
Various fundraisers have taken place over the years to support such events including fashion shows, wine tastings and quizzes.
The long-standing chairman of the town twinning group was Richard Wilkinson, who helped launch the link with Andernos.
Richard, who died in 2020, was also instrumental in arranging the road signs which remain in place at both ends of the town commemorating the link.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here