STUDENTS from Brentwood's twin town in Germany have enjoyed a trip to the borough as part of a two-week tour of England.

The group, aged 14-15, from Landkreis Roth in Bavaria, were welcomed to the Council Chamber by the Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Vicky Davies on 4th September.

She gave a brief history of Brentwood from Thomas a' Beckett to Towie. And after a question and answer session, the group was invited to the Mayor's Parlour to try on her official robes.

The group then went on to Blackmore Sports and Social Club, where they were taught how to play cricket.

Coach Andy Phillips, chairman of the Willow Herbs Blackmore Cricket Club led a lively training session, followed by a short match. He said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the group.

Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Vicky Davies, said: "It was such a pleasure to welcome the young visitors from Roth to Brentwood. It was nice to share some of our town’s history and explain the Civic traditions of the Town Hall and the role of the Mayor.”

Roger Winter, Chairman of the Brentwood/ Landkreis Roth Town Twinning Association, who organised the trip, said: "I haven't played cricket since I was at school. It's far too much like hard work! It's always a pleasure to meet the young people from Germany; their enthusiasm is infectious.”

The leader of the German group Veronika Lauterbach thanked the Mayor and Andy Phillips and said that the link with Brentwood has always been important for the people of Landkreis Roth and that the youth visitors always enjoy the trip to England.