RESIDENTS are being encouraged to embrace French culture through a number of activities linked to the borough’s twin town Angers.

Wigan Council oversees the relationship between the borough and Angers and the diary of French-related activities has been filling up since the start of the year.

The council’s #BelieveImOnlyHuman campaign also strongly supports the twinning relationship and strives to generate a sense of pride and cohesion so residents and visitors feel welcome in the borough.

Noemie Courant, this year’s ambassador from Angers, will develop the borough’s links with the city by promoting opportunities for businesses to expand their reach across the channel, work placements for young people and much more.

She said: “We are very busy organising activities for the people of the Wigan borough to get involved with and learn more about the French culture.

"There is so much for people of all ages to enjoy and I hope that everyone takes the time to see what is going on in their area.”

Residents who would like to brush up on their French skills can join the Leigh French Circle, which meets at 7pm once a month at Lowton High School’s new library, where various topics about French culture are discussed in the native tongue.

Young people in the borough can also take the opportunity to be paired with an Angers pen pal.

There will also be a number of French-related events to enjoy over the coming weeks, including a French movie screening at Leigh's Turnpike Centre on Wednesday, March 15, in partnership with Leigh Film Society.

The borough and Angers have been twinned for nearly 30 years and the Angers Twinning Association is marking this relationship by organising a four-night trip to the borough in April.

The Week of Francophine will also be celebrated between March 12 and 20, encouraging French speakers to celebrate the diversity of the French language and take part in twinning activities.

To find out more about the trip or the organised events call Noemie on 01942 489193 or e-mail angers@wigan.gov.uk.

To find out more about the #BelieveImOnlyHuman campaign visit wigan.gov.uk/believe.