THERE was a distinctly European feel in the Forest earlier this month, when a group of French visitors came to find out about the area’s language, history, sports and culture.

The pupils from Cole- ford’s twinned town, St Hilaire de Riez, on France’s west coast, visited Five Acres High School and toured the area.

Iain Baird, deputy chair of the Coleford Twinning Association,said: “The stu0 dents worked with students at the Berry Hill school to improve their English skills.

“They then visited various sites around the Forest, including Dean Heritage Centre and New Fancy, to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

“We hope that a reciprocal visit can be arranged that will allow Five Acres students to visit their twinned school in the Vendee, with golden sandy beaches.

“Berry Hill Rugby Club will be hosting an under-16 team from St Hilaire de Riez with a match between the English and French teams.”

The rugby team was part of a larger group from France who visited Coleford and many of the group were hosted by members of the twinning association, who will in turn be hosted when they carry out a return visit to St Hilarie de Riez in the first week of August.

“This visit to France, between August 2 and 9, is open to non-members,” Iain added.

Full details of membership are available from Coleford Tourist Information Centre or at www.colefordtwinning.org