EIGHTEEN members of Friendship Force International from the National Capitol region of Washington DC have spent a week staying with families from Greater Manchester including Altrincham and Sale.

As well as organised trips to York, Llandudno and Conway, their hosts arranged private visits to Dunham Massey, Chester and other places.

Some even attended the Timperley country fair where they learned a new word ‘tombola’, apparently not common in their country.

Dorothy Wicker, an American who joined in 1979 and stayed with Colin and Claire Brown, of Somerville Gardens, Timperley, said: “I enjoy having friends all over the world.

"There were so many interesting things to see. I liked how the President Lincoln statue told how the Manchester people made sacrifices in order to abolish the slave trade.

“Claire is a wonderful cook.”

John Cox, known as J.B, also stayed with the Browns.

He has an interest in technology, so especially enjoyed a visit to Styal Mill.

Betsy and Ken Sandford were hosted by Christine Pidcock, in Ollerbarrow Road, Hale.

Betsy said: “This is our first visit with Friendship Force.

"Hale is a pretty area. I thought the district would be more industrial.”

Newest Trafford member, Barrie Kerr of Thorley Lane, Timperley who admits he isn’t a cook, said: “I knew I would enjoy it before I even started.

“The Manchester group are a friendly bunch. I enjoyed taking my visitors to English places they wouldn’t normally see.

“My first outgoing exchange will be to Turkey in May when it will be my turn to be taken around.”

For more information about the Greater Manchester Friendship Force, call 0161 707 1001 or see manchester.friendshipforce.org.uk.