(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
County Durham could soon add a town in Italy and a community in France to its growing network of international partnerships.
Durham County Council's Cabinet is being asked to approve a new twinning arrangement with Castiglione dei Pepoli in Italy and restore a historic link between Bishop Auckland and Ivry-sur-Seine, France.
But where is County Durham already twinned?
The council says it has maintained international partnerships for more than 70 years, with links stretching across Europe and North America.
Kreis Wesel, Germany (1953)
County Durham's oldest active international partnership is with Kreis Wesel in western Germany.
The relationship was established in 1953 and remains active today, with the council describing it as a long-standing civic partnership involving reciprocal visits and knowledge exchange.
Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (1965)
The Slovak city of Banská Bystrica has been twinned with County Durham since 1965.
The council says the relationship remains active and continues to create opportunities for cultural collaboration and co-operation.
Recent discussions have focused on tourism, education, youth engagement and business links.
Tübingen, Germany (1969)
County Durham's partnership with the university city of Tübingen, in southern Germany, dates back to 1969.
The council describes the link as an active relationship supported through civic, cultural and community connections.
Alcalá de Guadaíra, Spain (1994)
Located near Seville in southern Spain, Alcalá de Guadaíra became County Durham's twinned partner in 1994.
The relationship remains active, although council officers say activity has reduced in recent years.
Durham, North Carolina, USA (1998)
Perhaps the most recognisable partnership is with Durham in North Carolina.
The council says the relationship remains strong through the Durham Sister Cities Association and recent delegation visits between the two communities.
Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Hungary (2001)
County Durham also has a partnership with the Hungarian county of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok.
The arrangement is classed as dormant, with limited recent activity because of capacity issues at the partner authority.
One link severed
County Durham's partnership with Kostroma in Russia is no longer active.
The council formally dissolved the relationship following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Could more places be added?
Councillors are set to consider a proposal to create a new partnership with Castiglione dei Pepoli in Italy, while a historic twinning relationship between Bishop Auckland and Ivry-sur-Seine, near Paris, could also be revived.
The authority is also exploring future links with Tauranga in New Zealand because of its historical connections to the Durham Light Infantry.
Current status of County Durham's international partnerships
- Kreis Wesel, Germany (1953) – Active
- Banská Bystrica, Slovakia (1965) – Active
- Tübingen, Germany (1969) – Active
- Alcalá de Guadaíra, Spain (1994) – Active
- Durham, North Carolina, USA (1998) – Active
- Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Hungary (2001) – Dormant
- Kostroma, Russia (1968) – Dissolved
- Castiglione dei Pepoli, Italy – Proposed
- Ivry-sur-Seine, France – Proposed reinstatement