Bradford on Avon German Twinning Association showed its own mark of respect during its visit to the twinning town of Norden last month.

While Bradford held its commemoration in Westbury Gardens to mark the start of the First World War, the association held its own memorial in a Norden church.

Chairman Roger Andrews said: “The memorial was a one off. I felt inspired to suggest it because of the commemoration event Bradford on Avon was holding.

“We were surrounded by the names of those who fell in the First and Second World War. It was a very moving experience.

“It is important to remember all those who gave their lives during the war. Everybody suffered.”

The eight-day trip included visits to the Bourtange fortress, a zoo in neighbouring Holland, and the coastal German town of Wilhelmshaven, which included a visit to the German Naval Museum.

Mr Andrews added: “It was a fantastic trip and is a good way to get to know people. This year is 45 years of twinning.

“It is important because it brings the people of two nations together in friendship and understanding.

“We have history, we can’t change history. We have traditions and cultural differences but everybody wants the same thing.

“That is friendships and living in peace and harmony.”

Norden’s twinning association visited Bradford last summer. The groups will have a year’s break now to fundraise, before the Norden group comes back to Bradford in 2016.