FAMILIES are being sought by Stogursey Twinning Association to host visitors from France next year as the association begins preparations for its 40th anniversary.

The village is twinned with Lonlay-l’Abbaye, in Normandy, and, apart from during the Covid pandemic, has seen exchange visits between the two every year since 1986.

Twinners from Stogursey went to Lonlay earlier this year and now they want to host French families for a weekend next April, when the association’s 2026 40th anniversary will be ‘on the horizon’.

The association plans to take a full coach of visitors from Stogursey and surrounding villages to France for the celebrations.

A spokesperson said: “We are already looking for host families for next year.

“We know several French families would like to visit us in April, 2025, so if you think you might be able to host, we would love to hear from you.

“We know it can feel a little daunting to host for the first time, so we will give you every support.

“Language does not have to be a barrier, children are happy to share rooms and sleep on floors, space is not an issue.”

The link between the two communities dates to the Norman Conquest when William the Conqueror gifted the Lonlay l’Abbaye monks land in Stogursey on which to build St Andrew’s Church.

Family membership of the association is £10 and more information is available by emailingAnna Hammond at [email protected].

The association will help with the cost of children travelling to France in 2026.