THE twinning between Kendal and Rinteln continues to thrive with a party from the German town preparing to visit.

Players from Rinteln Table Tennis Club will be among the 33 visitors due to arrive in Kendal tomorrow (Thursday).

A tour of the Lakes taking in Keswick and the Rheged visitor attraction near Penrith is planned; and a tournament with Kendal Table Tennis Club is due to take place at the Shakespeare Centre, Kendal, on Saturday, May 3.

The tournament has become something of an annual event, with an exchange taking place every year for the past four years, said Jim Quincey, chairman of Kendal-Rinteln Association.

The visitors will stay with families in Kendal, and anybody who is interested in hosting visitors is invited to contact accommodation officer John Handley on 01539-722871, or any member of the twinning association.

Meanwhile, events are being planned to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the twinning this year.

Travelling to Rinteln for the annual Altstadt Festival in August will be members of Kendal Concert Band, and Kendal Boys Brigade, who are grateful for donations from individuals and groups including Kendal Town Council.

Kendal will feature prominently in the weekend's celebrations with a special franking by the Bundespost, with the Kendal, Rinteln and Slawno - Rinteln's Polish twin town - crests on all mail posted at the festival.

K Shoes Male Voice Choir is to travel to Rinteln in October and perform in concerts in the town, including a combined concert with a Rinteln choir.

At home a celebration dinner is planned, and possibly a further visit from Rinteln later in the year.