HASLEMERE Town Council has agreed to lend its support for plans to twin Haslemere with Sant Just Desvern in Spain.

The informal request for twinning was made to the chairman of Haslemere Twinning Association, Barbara Badger from a resident of the Spanish town.

At a meeting of the full council last Thursday, members agreed to support the idea in principle but not contribute financially.

James Mackie said: "I think its important people realise that funding for this does not come from ratepayers but the committee themselves.

"Twinning has brought great benefits to the town and we should look favourably but support it without it costing us money."

Michael Biddiscombe added: "The twinning committee may have a problem trying to fund extra people to do the work.

"We've always allowed the use of the photocopier but not given any funding."

Brian Howard added that with Spanish as a subject on the curriculum at Woolmer Hill there could be potential for getting the school involved in the twinning.

This would be the third town to be twinned with Haslemere along with Bernay in Normandy and Horb on the edge of the Black Forest in Germany.

The twinning association was formed in 1984 by Jean Mansley when she was deputy mayor.

During that time it has gone from strength to strength boasting some 80 members with regular exchange visits and contacts becoming part of Haslemere life.

Mrs Badger took over as chairman in 1991.