Filton is celebrating the 35th birthday of its twinning links with St Valiers in France and the German town of Witzenhausen.

The Twinning Association was launched because of the close links between the workerforce at British Aerospace and their colleagues at Aerospatiale in France.

It was later decided to establish a link with Witzenhausen too.

The association has organised an programme of events over the next few months.

It starts with a big-band serenade evening at the BAWA centre in Southmead Road on March 28.

In July the annual Filton Festival will include a number of events linked to the twinning association.

On August 20 visitors from St Valiers and Witzenhausen will enjoy six days of local hospitality staying with local families.

Association member Carole-Ann Duckett said: "It has brought strong and hopefully everlasting friendships, with not only French and German residents of all ages, but with folk living in Filton and the surrounding areas."

To get involved, call 986 5350.