DENTON’S links with mainland Europe are being celebrated with the planting of new trees.
A French oak and a German lime have been put n the ground to mark 35 years of town twinning.
The planting took place as Denton welcomed a delegation from its German twin town of Kierspe for a traditional British Bonfire Night weekend.
And its MP Hannah Spencer did the honours, along with Cllr George Newton, the German delegation and members of Denton Town Twinning Association.
The visiting German delegation enjoyed a packed weekend, including guided tours of Denton and Manchester, a traditional local pub night and a visit to the famous Denton St Lawrence Cricket Club bonfire.
Denton Town Twinning Association, a not-for-profit community organisation run entirely by volunteers and supported through fundraising and donations, organised the trip and commemorations.
For 35 years, it has helped create opportunities for thousands of local people, bringing communities together through school visits, musical collaborations, sporting events, language courses, cultural activities and international friendships.
Denton has two twin towns. Montigny-le-Bretonneux, which lies near Versailles, just outside of the French capital Paris, has been paired since December 1992.
While Kierspe, in North Rhine-Westphalia, near Cologne, has been twinned with Denton since September 2012.
Councillor George Newton, Chair of Denton Town Twinning Association, said: “These two trees are a lasting symbol of Denton’s friendships with France and Germany, friendships which have brought our communities together for more than three decades.
“Town twinning is about much more than names on road signs. It’s about giving ordinary local people genuine opportunities to travel, learn new skills, experience different cultures and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
“Over the years, thousands of people have benefited from these links, whether that’s schoolchildren visiting France for the first time, local musicians performing abroad or families welcoming international visitors into their homes.“
Denton Town Twinning Association welcomes new members of all ages.
Residents do not need to speak French or German to get involved, just have an interest in meeting new people, discovering different cultures and trying something new.
For more information, visit the Denton Town Twinning Facebook page or email secretary@dentontwinning.co.uk.