The village of Kings Langley and northern French settlement Achiet-le-Grand have become officially twinned in what is hoped will seal “an everlasting friendship”.

Kings Langley parish councillors and villagers, among them the son of war hero Christopher Cox, set off on Friday to the French village to sign the “friendship charter”.

Councillor Gerry Angiolini, of Abbots View, said: “We were warmly welcomed by the entire village and it was a fantastic weekend.

“We were given tours of the local school and had a chance to meet the villagers, as well as sign the certificate twinning the two villages together.

“A memorial service was held to remember the courage of all the fallen soldiers and we managed to tie in a visit to Thiepval, a large war memorial to those who fought in the Somme but were never found.”

The formal twinning of Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand has been on the cards for some time.

Achiet-le-Grand first honoured Christopher Cox from Kings Langley in 2007, in a ceremony recognising his courageous war efforts.

Mr Cox, a father-of-eight, acted as stretcher bearer with the seventh Battalion of the Bedford Regiment, during World War One and took part in an attack on German defences south of the French town, near Arras in northern France in 1917.

Risking his own life to save others, despite heavy gunfire, Mr Cox was rewarded with Britain's highest military award, the Victoria Cross.

His son, Ian Cox, 80, of Abbots View, said: “When we arrived at our hotel I was presented with a miniature plaster representation of my father’s memorial.

“I was completely stunned, as it wasn’t expected.

“Going to France this weekend has given me such a mixture of emotions – I’m so pleased that everything my father did in the war is being recognised and the twinning is such a fitting tribute to him.

“If my father had been alive to see this, he would be so proud that the efforts of the Shiny Seventh Bedford Regiment have not been forgotten.”

Bringing over baskets of British foods including a hamper filled full of cheeses and honey, Councillors also brought gifts from Rudolf Steiner School and a Kings Langley Football Club jersey.

Councillor Angiolini said: “The formal twinning of Kings Langley and Achiet-le-Grand is just the beginning for the two villages.

“We hope that we can continue to nurture our relationship and learn from each other – it is the start of so many opportunities.”