BRENTWOOD Twinning Association has elected its new chairman.

Retired businessman businessman, Neil Hornsby, a member of the Brentwood/Montbazon Town Twinning Association for 18 years, was appointed last week.

"Honoured" Mr Hornsby took the opportunity to reassure residents the town will maintain close ties with Monbazon despite fears Brexit could sever the relationship.

He said: “As a Francophile and having many friends in France, I am pleased, indeed honoured, to be elected.

“I hope that during my tenure, coming immediately after the UK’s Brexit decision, we can build on existing relationships and activities between our two towns and even our two countries.

"Town Twinning is not about politics, but is all about individuals and their local area”.

In a statement released last week, the association urged residents to give visitors from Montbazon a warm welcome when they visit in August.