The Angmering Twinning Association was joined by more than 40 French friends over the bank holiday weekend to celebrate a 40 year connection and partnership.
The association welcomed visitors from the town of Ouistreham in North West France, as they celebrated a history of the relationship with Angmering with a special dinner and an exhibition.
The group at Ham Manor Golf Club for the Friday evening dinner.
This was followed by a boat trip for the guests, and a special presentation on Sunday, while the church bells were rung in celebration of the trip.
Eric Holmes, who has lived in Angmering since 1969 and formerly ran a business, Holmes Estate Agents, which continues today, was one of the founding members of the association, along with John King and Leslie Baker.
He attended a lunch at Ecclesden Manor, and remembers signing the Twinning charter when residents of Ouistreham first came to visit Angmering.
“We didn’t know if it would be a success,” he said, “But it has been a very substantial success.”
Chairman of the association Gill Partington said: “I think it went very well. The French seemed to enjoy it and the village looked fantastic. I think the gift they gave us was wonderful and it had two hands reaching up as a sign of friendship.
“40 years is a long time and that should be celebrated. I hope now to get more schools involved with the exchange programme because we want to see families involved.”