A WORCESTERSHIRE bride's wedding has been made extra special after a friend of almost 35 years crossed the English Channel for the big day.

Elaine Griffiths, who has tied the knot with her new husband, Peter, was joined by Isabelle Quervarec at the Stone Manor Hotel, near Kidderminster, to celebrate the occasion.

The pair, who met as schoolchildren, struck up their unique bond in 1972, when Stourport launched its twinning links with Villeneuve-le-Roi in France.

Mrs Griffiths, aged 45 and from Stourport was known by the surname of Fincher until her recent marriage.

The long-standing friendship started when they chose to be penpals after Isabelle and her classmates visited the Wyre Forest town. They kept in touch by letter for many years and now take advantage of the advances in technology, communicating through the internet.

The Beverley Court resident, who enjoyed a honeymoon in Mexico, believed the "very special friendship" she enjoys with the 48-year-old was the only one surviving from when the twinning link was forged.

She said: "I remember that Isabelle was staying in the Swan Hotel. We ended up choosing each other and have kept in touch ever since. I think it's quite extraordinary because we were so young. The way things have worked out over the years is just wonderful. It is easier now, because of things like e-mails, but it is always great to actually meet up in person. We have done that on quite a few occasions now."

Mrs Quervarec, who made the trip with her husband, Alain, moved from Villeneuve-le-Roi more than 25 years ago and now lives in Trumilly.

She said: "I prefer Stourport to Villeneuve-le-Roi because of the countryside, river and gardens. It looks more like a postcard.

"The two places are very different. Villeneuve-le-Roi is a lot more built up. It is much busier because it is near a big city."

Stourport town councillor David Little said a drive to resurrect the bond with people in the French town, which is about eight miles south of Paris, will start in the new year.