LINKS between Malvern and its twin town in the Czech Republic were strengthened with a recent visit.

Laurie Gregory, one of the longest-serving promoters of the link with Marianske Lazne, paid a visit to the town for the opening of the spa season there.

He was accompanied by his wife Penny, for whom this was the first visit to Marianske Lazne, formerly known as Marianbad.

The visit was an emotional reunion for Mr Gregory, who met old friends in Prague before taking a rail journey through the Bohemian countryside via Pilsen to Marianske Lazne.

In 1989 Laurie met a music teacher in Prague who led a chamber orchestra at the Frederick Chopin Music Academy in Marianske Lazne. This contact led to two very successful tours to Malvern in 1990 and 1991.

And six members of the original orchestra turned up to play with the current orchestra for the opening of the season.

A letter of goodwill from Cynthia Palmer, the mayor of Malvern, was read by Mr Gregory to the many representatives and Czech citizens present at the opening, which took place at the Colonade in the centre of town. Guests were then treated to a special lunch provided in a nearby hotel.

The opening was accompanied by a wide range of entertainment and stalls in the town park.

Mr Gregory said: "A particular highlight was a special concert in a local casino with excellent acoustics and provided by the West Bohemia Symphony Orchestra. The quality of the musicianship was extraordinarily breathtaking."