THE former head of French at Bolton School Boys' Division is the new vice-chairman of the Town Twinning Committee.

Michael Tatman, who has been a member of the committee since it was formed, is also the chairman of the Bolton Anglo-French Circle.

The committee, chaired by Cllr Cliff Morris, concentrates on students studying foreign languages and also arranges work placements and other exchange visits.

Its aim is to forge stronger links between the town and Paderborn in Germany and Le Mans in France.

Mr Tatman, aged 63, of Ivy Bank, Bolton, is involved in many aspects of community life.

He became the editor of the town's talking newspaper for the blind "Bolton Newstalk" two years ago.

Married with three children and two grandchildren, he has been a prominent member of the Bolton Little Theatre since 1968.

He said: "I have been a member of Town Twinning Committee since it began and its work is particularly important to me.

"The desire to strengthen relations with other countries has always been a priority of mine."

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