Transatlantic relations were celebrated with the anniversary of the borough's American namesake.

Borough representatives jetted out to strengthen educational ties and tourism with our twin town of Richmond, Virginia, as it toasted 400 years since the English briefly settled the site from Jamestown.

During this week's visit the new Mayor, Councillor Marc Cranfield-Adams, and the Richmond upon Thames Coun Serge Lourie, joined in the anniversary celebrations.

The American town was named after Richmond upon Thames when it was fully founded 270 years ago and the twinning was officially launched in 1981.

Coun Cranfield-Adams said: "This is a unique celebration which, it is hoped, will have lasting benefits for the Richmonds on both sides of the Atlantic."

The visit was also intended to forge greater links between the James River Project in Virginia and the borough's Thames Landscape Strategy.

Jason Debney, the strategy's co-ordinator who also visited Virginia, said: "Both the Thames and the James River flow through the heart of their respective communities and both have a splendid variety of wildlife and recreational opportunities.

"Working in partnership in this way is an extremely important part of our work and the process of fund-raising."

On British soil, Richmond Museum has commemorated the twinning with an exhibition, The Two Richmonds - A Celebration of their Twinning, which was opened by the Deputy Mayor, Coun Helen Lee-Parsons, last week.

The exhibition will be based on the history of Richmond upon Thames and Richmond Virginia in the context of national events over the last 400 years.

The journey through time will feature the story of Pocahontas, the daughter of an Indian chief who saved Captain John Smith, one of the leaders of the Jamestown settlement, from execution.

The exhibition runs until November 17. The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11.00am to 5.00pm. Admission is free.