Twinning association members cross the Channel for a 30th birthday party with their friends in Thury Harcourt

A replica of a fossilised prehistoric sea lizard has been presented to Seaton’s French twin town to mark a special birthday.

A party of 37 from the East Devon resort travelled to Thury Harcourt to celebrate the 30th anniversary of officials links between the two communities.

At a formal dinner Clare Jones, chairman of the Seaton and District Twinning Association, presented a cast of an Ichthyosaurus fossil, from Lyme Bay, to Paul Chandelier, the mayor of Thury-Harcourt.

The gift was received with great enthusiasm, especially among the children. In return Seaton accepted gifts of commemorative plaques from both Thury Harcourt and its German twin town of Heimbuchental which was also represented at the celebrations.

During their stay in Normandy, Seaton twinners visited Pegasus bridge, secured by glider-borne troops minutes after midnight on D-day. The event was commemorated by association member Fergus Holmes leading the party across the bridge, playing bagpipes.

Other places visited included the fashionable seaside town of Cabourg and the gardens of the Chateau of Canon, at Mezidon-Canon.

Amongst the Seaton party were some members of Axe Valley Pedallers and the French hosts took them on a bicycle tour through the surrounding countryside.