PART of Swiss town Le Locle has been named in honour of Sidmouth after more than a quarter of a century of twinning friendship.

Members of Sidmouth Twinning Circle say the group is going from strength to strength and expressed delight at the momentous move.

They this week reflected on how an 18-strong party enjoyed an action packed five-day trip to the central European nation.

A piece of land in Le Locle was officially unveiled as Sidmouth Square during a visit in September.

Sheelagh Michelmore, who founded Sidmouth Twinning Circle 27 years ago, said on Wednesday night: “I’m delighted. It had been talked about for some time and it is wonderful it has come to fruition.”

Twinning circle chairman Norma Pearce added: “We’ve had a Le Locle Close in Sidmouth for 20 years, and now there’s a Sidmouth Square in Le Locle.”

She added: “Our members are excellent ambassadors for Sidmouth.”

Town and district councillor and twinner, Peter Sullivan, had the honour of unveiling a plaque to mark the official inauguration of Sidmouth Square.

He said: “It was an honour to be asked. I think it’s a sign of how much the two twinning groups have worked hard together over the last 20 plus years, and how much it’s appreciated – especially from their side. It’s good for Sidmouth.”

Fellow town councillor Graham Liverton, who’s been to Le Locle five times, added: “It shows you what towns, and countries, can do. It’s belonging, and its part of the friendship.”

Len Bull, Sidmouth Twinning Circle vice chairman, said: “It was a big thing for us. The trip was a great success because we had tremendously good hosts and all the people in our group get on well together.”

The twinning circle is always in the lookout for new members.

l READ a special report on the group’s trip to Le Locle in next Friday’s Sidmouth Herald.