Forty years ago, three Cockermouth men travelled to southern France to look into twinning with a town.
They were warmly welcomed by Marvejols. Four decades on many firm friendships have been established and 12,000 people have been involved in hundreds of exchanges between the two towns.
The trio - town councillors Jim Hully and George Graham and council clerk David Bertram - could never have imagined what a huge success the twinning link would be.
Mr Hully and Mr Bertram were part of the 17-strong group which recently visited Marvejols to commemorate the first trip they made.
They all stayed with host families and were treated to a packed programme.
Fifty French people will be heading to Cockermouth in October, to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Friendship.
Exchanges have taken place between groups including schools, choirs, sports groups, farmers and musicians.
While Cockermouth now has Marvejols Park, the twin town boasts a Cockermouth roundabout, with a traditional red telephone box, a sign showing the distance to Cockermouth, a display of daffodils and a Herdwick sheep made by local students.
In the year 2000 both towns were awarded the coveted Europe prize by the Council of Europe: the first time that two towns which were twinned with one another were jointly awarded the prize.
Well over 100 students from Cockermouth School have benefitted from the Europe Prize scholarship fund, set up by the Town Council with the prize money and local donations, allowing them to further their studies in Europe.
Mr Bertram, who has travelled to Marvejols more than 25 times, said: "Forty years ago we were looking for a town to link with. There was a choice of three or four, we liked the idea of France and Marvejols looked interesting.
"We had a great welcome. They chose us too.
"It has been a wonderful friendship link between two towns. I'm as enthusiastic now as I was then. We have made some wonderful friends."
The French founder, Jean-Pierre Nogaret was 60 years old the day they arrived. He died about 20 years ago but on their recent trip the group marked his 100th birthday.
"He was principle at the college and taught English," said Mr Bertram.
"He learned the poems of Wordsworth and daffodils were his favourite.
"The daffodil theme has been prevalent throughout our link. They were at his graveside when we gathered on his 100th birthday."
Deputy mayor Julie Laidlow has been to Marvejols three times since she was mayoress in 2008.
"I think it's really important, forging links between two towns. A lot of good friends have been made," she said.
"We need some younger people involved to keep this going. I was the baby of the bunch this visit and I'm not young, it's really important we get new blood or it could be lost."
Cllr Laidlow enjoyed taking part in various events in Marvejols, including the unveiling of a Herdwick sheep made by adults with learning difficulties.
"They made it for Cockermouth and it was supposed to come here before Covid. It was then decided to keep it in France and place it on Cockermouth roundabout instead," she said.
She also opened an exhibition about the twin town links.
"I have had same host every time, she's absolutely wonderful," she said.
"They are so kind to us and go out of their way to make us feel welcome. It is always special."
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