BICESTER has officially signed a new charter with its third twin town.

At a ceremony in Garth Park, residents and local dignitaries gathered to witness the cementing of the friendship between Bicester and Czernichov, Poland.

Chairmen of the associations and mayors from both towns signed on the dotted line.

A celebration cake was also cut and onlookers enjoyed a host of entertainment including singers from Cooper school and Polish folk singers, performances by Bicester Community College Jazz Band and local dance groups.

All the children taking part and the Polish guests were given a commemorative medal and the visitors also presented townspeople with a medal.

Acting chairman of Bicester and District Twinning Association, David Buxton, said: “The weekend went exceptionally well.

“We were very fortunate with the weather on Saturday and Sunday.

“We had 15 guests from Poland, two from Germany and two from Austria.

“It was like one big family party.”

On Sunda, the Polish visitors went to the town’s civic service at St Edburg’s Church, which was followed by a parade in Market Square, where the Bicester and Czernichov’s mayors andCol John Lewis, of Bicester Garrison, took the salute.

Bicester’s twinning group will head to Poland later this month to sign a charter there.

The town is already twinned with Neunkirchen Seelscheid, Germany, and Canton des Essarts, in France.