Twinners are celebrating the 40th anniversary of links between their towns.

Around 40 people from Emmerich, in Germany, arrived in King's Lynn today. They will be staying with families and in hotels in the West Norfolk town until Tuesday.

Welcoming the guests, West Norfolk mayor Nick Daubney said: 'I've had a lovely relationship with Emmerich for many, many years. As a young member of Rotary I was fortunate to visit Emmerich many years ago.'

Mr Daubney added the 'amazing' waterfront at Emmerich, on the banks of the Rhine, had inspired him to push for development of Lynn's Ouse frontage.

Peter Hinze, mayor of Emmerich, said it was his first visit to Lynn.

He added: 'Half our group is happy to be back, the other half is happy to be here for the first time.'

Mr Hinze presented Mr Daubney with 400 Euros (around £350) for each of the mayor's charities - the Purfleet Trust and King's Lynn Night Shelter. Students among the visiting part collected a further 200 Euros.

'They do amazing work for people who do need help from time to time,' said Mr Daubney. 'That will go towards that help, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

The King's Lynn Emmerich Twinning Club was formed in 1978 by the then West Norfolk mayor Eric Edgeley. Mr Edgeley, a former prisoner of war in Germany, wanted to help rebuild friendships between the two nations.

Penny Dossetor, the club's current chairman, said: 'It's certainly given both sides an insight into how the other half lives and created some very strong friendships.

After a buffet at Lynn Town Hall, twinners went outside for the unveiling of a sundial given to Lynn by Emmerich in 1988, which had been relocated to the courtyard.

The Emmerich party are hoping to take part in the Hanse festival over the weekend and enjoy a trip on restored Wash cockler Baden Powell.

There will be a formal lunch at Congham Hall on Sunday. On Monday, visiting students and teachers will have a visit to Springwood High School, while adults have a trip to Boston led by Lynn historian Dr Paul Richards. The Lynn club will visit Germany next summer.