COACH trips to North Wales are popular because of the region’s outstanding natural environment, however a bus from Germany stopped in Denbigh for a somewhat different reason.

Travelling all the way from the Giessen region of west Germany, residents from Biebertal were welcomed by Denbighites for the biannual gathering between the two towns - which are officially twins.

Twin towns are agreements between those in different parts of the world to form cultural and commercial ties. The concept was conceived after the Second World War to bring about friendship and understanding among different cultures, as well as between former adversaries as an act of reconciliation. It also aims to encourage trade and tourism.

Upon the Germans’ arrival, the mayor of Denbigh, Cllr Gaynor Wood-Tickle embraced the burgermaister of Biebertal, Patricia Ortmann, while families and friends from both communities said ‘hello’ and ‘gutentagen’.

The towns have been twinned for 27 years and they share surprising cultural similarities. Biebertal has an old Celtic settlement and its Museum KeltenKeller has coins, glass beads and replica clothing. The German town also has a 12th century ruined castle, Burg Vetzberg, and stages reenactments of the 18th century Seven Years’ War there.

Bietbertal has about 10,000 residents and Denbigh about 9,000. It takes about 12-13 hours to drive between the two - give or take the wait at the Eurotunnel.

Cllr Wood-Tickle said: “It was a huge honour and privilege to host our friends from Biebertal.

“It was lovely that mayor Patricia Ortmann and her two sons, Jonathan and Vincent, came over with the group.”

During the week the visitors had a guided tour of the walled town of Denbigh, and explored Anglesey, Llandudno, Bala Lake Railway and Llyn Aled.

Cllr Wood-Tickle added: “It will be Denbigh’s turn to visit Biebertal next. We look forward to seeing them again.”