A key figure in the twinning of Ashford with a town in northern France has sadly died.

Jacques Faucheux, the former Mayor of Fougeres, succumbed to a short illness a week ago today at the age of 76.

Monsieur Faucheux was the driving force behind Ashford’s twinning partnership with the town in Brittany.

Cllr Mike Bennett, Ashford’s twinning champion, said: “I know from my visits to Fougeres that Jacques made a tremendous impression on his town, and will be remembered as a significant person when its history is written."

Avenue Jacques Faucheux (pictured above), which is the dual carriageway that stretches in front of the International Station, was opened in his honour in September 2009.

For the full story, see next week's Kentish Express.