Workington and District Twinning Association has appointed a new chairman.

Carole Armstrong, a town and Allerdale councillor and former mayor of the town, has taken over from Margaret Jones who has stepped down after 25 years on the committee.

Coun Armstrong, 67, of Poole Road, Salterbeck, has been involved with the twinning association for about six years.

She said: "It's a privilege and I'm really pleased. It's nice of the committee to put their trust in me.

"The hospitality of the people from other countries is second to none and they make you feel so welcome and look after you.

"Their committees put their heart and soul into it and we'll do the same."

Coun Armstrong was appointed at the organisation's annual general meeting.

Workington is twinned with Selm in Germany and Val De Reuil in France.

Coun Armstrong has appointed fellow town and Allerdale councillor Barbara Cannon as vice-chair for Selm and former Cockermouth mayor Andy Graham as vice-chair for Val De Reuil.

She added: "Last year we had six people at the AGM and this year we had 22 and these people are going to move this twinning on.

"I would like to thank Margaret Jones who has worked tirelessly and has opened her home to visitors."

The association is planning to set up an exchange with Selm later this year.