FOR 50 years St Helens has been twinned with the French town Chalon Sur Saone and to mark this milestone a special concert will be held at the end of this month.

Renowned marching band Fanfare de Gergy will be making the trip from France to perform a free concert at St Helens Town Hall on Saturday, August 23 at 7.30pm.

The visit was helped through a link-up between Valley Brass Band in Haydock.

Gergy is a town in the heart of Burgundy and forms an integral part of the Chalon region.

In 2012 the band underwent a change of direction with the appointment of Cyril Milien. Under his direction the band has become one of the most popular in Burgundy.

The band comprises a wide range of instruments including, flute, trumpet, saxophone and bugle.

Tickets are available by ringing 07534 276483 and are also available from the town hall reception on Victoria Square.