The new Mayor of Swindon, Kevin Parry, and Mayoress Barbara Parry, who is also a borough councillor, have just made their first official trip abroad.

The pair, accompanied by Councillor Kevin Small, who is chairman of the Town Twinning Network at Euclid Street, and a cross party delegation of councillors.

Coun Barbara Parry said: "We were very warmly received by the Mayor of Salzgitter, his wife and their delegation.

"Although the visit was short, our delegation visited a secondary school, a social housing company, toured the VW plant,where engines are manufactured, experienced the local culture, cuisine and music and musical performers from Stary Oskol, a Russian town that Salzgitter is also twinned with.

" Great discussions were held on these subject areas and how we could look to work together more closely and to make improvements that could benefit residents of both towns.

"The Mayor and I are really keen to bring the partnership to life in as many ways as possible, such as schools, sport, music, the Church and business and are currently working hard on this.

"I'd like to thank Coun Small for a very well organised trip."

Aso travelling to Germany were Labour councillors Carol Shelley and Emma Bushell and Conservative members Rahul Tarar and Brian Mattock.