A MAN who has been an ambassador for promoting the twinning links between Kendal and Rinteln died at the weekend, aged 80.

Mike Middleton, founder and manager of the twinning arrangement between the two towns, passed away on Saturday following a short illness.

Kendal's mayor Cllr Andy Blackman said: "He will, no doubt, be missed and Kendal has a lot to be thankful for his contributions in getting the twinning established and his commitment and perseverance over the last 25 years."

Born in London and a proud cockney, Mr Middleton studied at Cambridge before working as a teacher in the British forces schools in Wilhelmshaven and later in Rinteln (Prince Rupert School). He later became a press officer for the British Forces in Germany, stationed in Hereford.

In the late '80s he organised the start of the twinning between Kendal and Rinteln. The contract was signed in September 1992.

"The twinning turned very soon into a big success," said Dietrich Lange, chairman of the Rintelner Verein fuer Staedtepartnerschaften (twinning committee in Rinteln)."Mike Middleton has built many bridges of understanding, has started many contacts, initiated concerts, sports events and many other activities on both sides of the channel."

He was honoured by the former Mayor of Kendal, Cllr John Willshaw, for his contribution to twinning in 2012 and by the Mayor of Rinteln, Thomas Priemer, in January 2017.

"The twinning activities between Rinteln and Kendal have been honoured by a national German organisation in 2012 as one of the most active twinning between Great Britain in Germany," said Mr Lange.

Mr Middleton was also the official representative of the Mayor of Rinteln on many mayor making occasions in Kendal. Each time he delivered the official speech of congratulation.

"He has been the best known person from Rinteln in Kendal, and he achieved his biggest goal: Rinteln and Kendal became close friends," said Mr Lange. "He was still full of plans for the future. We have to and shall work hard, to keep this friendship going well, just as he did and wanted it. New projects are already in preparation."