RESIDENTS covered their village hall in red, white and blue flags to celebrate 10 years of a French twinning link.

Villagers in Long Witttenham, near Didcot, celebrated the link with residents from Thaon, a village close to beaches used in the Normandy landings during the Second World War.

A song was written for the occasion and Trish Gilbert, the association’s first chairman, gave a speech honouring the guests.

Former chairman Robin Sawers, 76, said: “We made one false start with another French village but the residents of Thaon have always been keen to keep this going and there is a twinning visit every year.

“Thaon is about 10 miles inland and very handy for the Caen ferry.

“Ten years ago there was a list of villages looking for twin towns and we got in touch with Thaon residents via their website.”

Locals dressed as French villagers are, from left, Keith Jennings, Richard May, Richard Hewish, Clive Autcliff, Barrie Henderson and Mr Sawers.

Villagers will cross the channel for a visit to Thaon in June.