A man has received a special award for his work promoting links between Kirkby and its twin town in France.

Pat Ball, of Kirkby, was awarded the Médaille D’Honneur du Ronchin by Monsieur Patrick Geenens, the Mayor of Ronchin (pictured).

The civic ceremony was attended by more than 500 residents and guests, including the chairman and leader of Ashfield District Council, Coun Lachlan Morrison and Coun Cheryl Butler respectively.

A citation read out to the audience praised Pat’s commitment and good work in fostering strong links between the two towns over the past 17 years.