Later this month, Helston is hosting a visit from 21 people from their twin town of Plougasnou in Brittany.

This trip has been funded by a grant from the British Embassy in Paris, which is seeking to strengthen cooperation locally between the UK and France. The theme of the visit is Climate Change and Biodiversity.

The visiting group, which is made up of families from Plougasnou and includes 8 teenagers, will be given a chance to see just a few some of the great things which are happening locally to help combat climate change and encourage biodiversity. On their first day (Thursday 21st April) they will tour the Fishermen's Mission shop in Helston to see how recycling has become an everyday part of our lives. They will then attend a tree-planting ceremony at the Sunken Garden, Helston at 11am which the public are invited to attend.

A full programme of visits will then take place, including to the Green Waste facility in Hayle, the Suez waste plant in Bodmin, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust re-wilding project at Helman's Tor, and a tour of the great work done in Helston by the Council and HCAG. Our visitors will be treated to an official reception at a meal made from local produce at the CAST café in Helston – and a lunch at Roscuick Organic farm where they will also get a chance to find out about local sustainable farming techniques…and Camels!

On the last night of the visit, Saturday 23rd, there will be a traditional Barn Dance in the Godolphin Club, Helston with music by The Other Band. Tickets are on sale from the Fishermen's Mission shop, Helston – the public is very welcome to come along, have a great evening, and meet some of our Breton visitors.

Helston has had a very close relationship with Plougasnou which goes back over 10 years, with visits and trips taking place every year until the pandemic hit. This relationship is even more important now, with everything that is happening in the world and the British Embassy in Paris have recognised this by granting our two communities this coveted award.