THE history of two towns is being highlighted for locals and visitors through new leaflets.

Lydney Town Council has produced a guided walk of the town while in Chepstow the 950th anniversary of the imposing castle is being marked.

The Lydney leaflet was developed by town councillor Dave Street and Lydney Town Council, with the funding from Lydney Town Council, Gloucestershire County Council Active Together fund and the Community Economic Development programme.

There was also printing and design support from a local printing business.

Copies of the leaflet have been distributed around the town and can also be picked up from the Lydney Town Council office in High Street during office hours.

The leaflet is also available as a smartphone app which can be downloaded from www.realtowns.co.uk.

The Chepstow leaflet was researched by John Burrows, who earlier this year wrote similar publications marking the 200th anniversary of the old Wye Bridge and the 50th anniversary of the first Severn Bridge.

It is published by Chepstow Town Council and is available at many outlets around the town.

The castle was established in 1067 by William Fitzosbern who later founded Chepstow’s priory church as a ‘daughter’ house to Cormeilles Abbey in Normandy.

The two towns acknowledged this link by twinning in 1975.

A series of events is planned for later in the year and a programme is expected to be available by Easter.

Chepstow’s mayor, Cllr Paul Pavia, said: “‘I am delighted to welcome in our 950th year as a town, and our 950-year link with our twin-town of Cormeilles in Normandy.

“I look forward to some interesting events this year to mark this incredible anniversary.

“Young people in Chepstow today will have the benefit of not only enjoying the 950th anniversary this year but the 1,000th anniversary of the town in 2067.

“I hope that the council’s information leaflet will provide an interesting read for residents and attract visitors to the town, and will provide material which can be used in school and community projects to help celebrate our past.”