PEOPLE from Helensburgh and its twin town of Thouars, France, gathered to celebrate Bastille Day at a special ceremony in Helensburgh Parish Church.

For more than 30 years the Helensburgh-Thouars Twinning Association has been welcoming each other to their respective towns and this year Helensburgh played host to a group of 50 visitors.

MP Brendan O’Hara, with other official guests including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Eric Thompson and representatives from the fire, police and ambulance service for the ceremony on July 14.

Mr O’Hara said: “This year’s Bastille Day celebrations have been particularly poignant with the focus on those who lost their lives in the Nice terrorist attack and the many more people who have been affected by it.

“The ceremony was beautiful, the choir was wonderful and my congratulations go to all those involved. These visits are all the more important in today’s world in keeping those vital links with other people across boundaries and language barriers. I have met many people today who have told me of the lifelong friendships formed over the years with families and young people set to continue this link.”