Members of the Town Twinning Association had laid on a spread of Yorkshire nibbles, including curd tarts and scones, while tea and coffee was provided by Taylors of Harrogate.

The guests were welcomed by Mayor Edna Hilditch before Yvonne Sauzon, representing the Mayor of Privas, expressed her thanks for the warm welcome they had received.

Cindy Bentley and François Briffotaux, chairmen of the English and French Twinning Associations, also spoke of their enthusiasm for the link between the two towns. Wetherby Police Inspector Marcus Griffiths was on hand to greet the visitors and, as gifts were exchange, offered a miniature traditional policeman’s helmet to the French.

The guests were then entertained by children from Deighton Gates Primary School, who sang in English and French and recited a poem which received loud applause from the audience. The Privas guests later visited Deighton Gates and Crossley Street Primary School to take part in French lessons.

As well as being served English meals throughout their stay, including at The Bridge Inn, the visitors were taken to Ripley Castle and the Leyburn Teapottery and enjoyed a performance by a group of Yorkshire longsword dancers.