German delegates from Metzingen pay a visit to Hexham

The group arrived mostly by air at Newcastle Airport on June 21, before being welcomed at a civic reception at the Prior's Hall of Hexham Abbey by Mayor Derek Kennedy.

The event boasted 'good summer weather' and saw the guests and hosts served with Pimm's.

L-R: Raphael Szeider, Metzingen Town Twinning representative for Hexham, Deputy Bürgermeister Markus Haas, Marianne Corder, chair of Hexham Town Twinning Association, Mayor Derek Kennedy, and Deputy Mayor Fay Hartland (Image: Supplied)

When welcome visitors, Mayor Kennedy remarked upon the 1,350-year-old history of St Wilfrid's Church, established in Anglo-Saxon times.

In reply, Metzingen's Deputy Bürgermeister, Markus Haas, showed appreciation for the warm welcome and expressed hope for a Europe filled with 'tolerance, friendship, peace and solidarity'.

Metzingen Town Council made a donation to Tynedale Hospice in lieu of corporate gifts.

Deputy Bürgermeister Markus Haas presents two representatives of Tyndale Hospice with a donation from Metzingen Town Council (Image: Supplied)

On Saturday, visitors were invited to tour Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum.

Many were 'impressed' by the archaeological excavations and its findings, particularly the leather artefacts unearthed.

In the afternoon and evening, hosts entertained their guests as they pleased, with some choosing activities around the iconic Hexham Abbey in honour of St Etheldreda, who donated the land for St Wilfrid's first church.

Guests assemble for the dinner in Langley Castle (Image: Supplied)

The German representatives enjoyed the scenic landscapes of Kielder, the coast, and Wallington on Sunday.

Capping off the day, a dinner was held at Langley Castle.

The sun set provided a picture-perfect backdrop as guests got an opportunity to climb up to the roof level.

As Monday dawned, three days of international camaraderie concluded as the delegate set off for their flight home.