Recklinghausen’s main hall and Preston Station

A pact which has lasted for 60 years between Preston and our German twin town has been marked.

Civic guests from Recklinghausen were invited to visit Preston to celebrate the anniversary on Thursday (21 April) of when Preston extended a hand of friendship.

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The twinning of the towns was one of the first since the end of the Second World War.

Mayor of Preston councillor Margaret McManus said: “In 1956, Preston took a lead in extending the hand of friendship with our German twin town in Recklinghausen.

“During the last 60 years a partnership that was born in uncertain times, has been nourished with goodwill and tolerance and endowed with mutual respect and understanding to its current full maturity.

“We are delighted to re-affirm our close bond of friendship with the people of Recklinghausen and look forward to another 60 years of our very special partnership.”

During a two day stay in Preston there was a tour of the city and the chance for Recklinghausens civic leaders to meet voluntary and community organisations.

Recklinghausen is the 60th largest city in Germany and has a population of 114,000.

Preston is also twinned with Almelo in Holland, Nimes in France and Kalisz in Poland.