Heinrich Meyers, a former burgermeister of Hamminkeln, in Germany, who died last Christmas, has posthumously been made an honorary Burgess of Sedgefield.

The announcement was made by Sedgefield Mayor Ian Sutherland when he presented a framed scroll to present burgermeister Holgar Schlierf, during a ceremony in Hamminkeln to mark the 20th anniversary visit of members of Sedgefield Twinning Association.

Councillor Keith Wells, chairman of the Sedgefield association, presented a similar scroll to Frau Meyers. Her husband was one of the architects of the twinning link.

Other presentations were made, including a glass vase to Isle Wilms, the burgermeister's secretary, who had been associated with the twinning process for 20 years.

A limited edition print of a 1900 painting of Sedgefield , and a plate commemorating the Queen's golden jubilee, were presented to the people of Hamminkeln by Coun Wells.