Chard will host a Civic Reception for its long-standing twin town Helmstedt in Germany for the first time in five years.

The Chard-Helmstedt Society, which aims to foster good and lasting relationships between citizens in the two towns, organises an annual exchange.

However, this year's event, scheduled for June 28 at 10am, will mark the first hosted by Chard since 2019.

A Chard Town Council spokesperson said: "In late June, our friends from our twin town, Helmstedt, will make their first visit since 2019.

"To welcome them, there will be a Civic Reception in the Chard Guildhall.

"The deputy lord lieutenant of Somerset and the mayor of Chard will be in attendance.

"All are welcome at this event."

They added: "It will be a good opportunity to find out more about the relationship between Chard and Helmstedt.

"Teas and coffees will follow."

Established in 1980, the partnership with Helmstedt in Lower Saxony lies at the heart of Chard’s connection with Europe—though the town also maintains twinning associations with Morangis in France and Seica Mare in Romania.