Lambeth's tour de France

Lambeth is celebrating fifty years of twinning with the Paris region of Vincennes and a group of local teenagers marked the occasion with a trip to meet some French counterparts.

Nine young people aged 13-16 were accompanied by three youth workers and by Chair of Lambeth Twinning Association Sandra Lawman. The Association planned the journey, which was funded by Lambeth Endowed Charities and Euro tunnel and supported by Lambeth Youth and Play Service.

The Lambeth young people used their French phrase books to chat with the Vincennes school students they met, and got the opportunity to mix with other French teenagers at a local youth club.

A tour of Vincennes was followed by a trip to the Eiffel Tower, where everyone made it to the top, and to Notre Dame cathedral. Heavy snow added to the excitement, with both sets of young people enjoying a snowball fight.

"All the young people had a good time and every one sampled French food, tried out a little bit of French, and saw the sights. Our French hosts were wonderful and the young people are looking forward to their next trip." said Councillor Lawman.

"The trip was the first we have ever been on and was a very interesting experience," said 15 year old Jummy Ogunyemi. "It was very educational and taught us a lot."