LYME REGIS, England -- The RAF's daring aerobatic display team last night set the seal on the twinning ceremony between St. George's and the birthplace of Bermuda's founder, Sir George Somers.

The Red Arrows display team used smoke to form a perfect heart shape over the bay in Lyme Regis in Dorset and dedicated it to the people of Bermuda.

Mayor of St. George's Henry Hayward said: "It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Everything went superbly and I've had nothing but positive comments.'' The breathtaking air show came at the end of an event-packed day which saw the two towns formally sign a twinning pact in the grounds of Lyme Regis' Alexandra Hotel.

Mr. Hayward said: "The highlight of the whole trip for me was the signing ceremony.

"It's something we have talked about for years and it's marvellous it's finally happened.

"Already we are seeing a response -- people are becoming interested in Bermuda and from a visitor point of view we will generate something. "And I know five or six families who have visited Lyme Regis in the last six months, which they wouldn't have done if the twinning had not been arranged.'' Lyme Regis Town Council Mayor, Councillor Barbara Austin said the ceremony was the crowning point of her three years in office.

She added: "It's been a brilliant time and very memorable. Everyone concerned with it and everyone I have met had the same thing to say.

"It's a great honour and privilege to be twinned with St. George's -- we have formed a friendship as well as cemented history.'' The day began with the raising of the flags of Bermuda and Lyme Regis on the historic Cobb -- where Sir George Somers' body was landed after he died in Bermuda in 1610.

Afterwards, a Lyme Regis flag -- pale blue with the town's shield on it -- was presented to Mr. Hayward, together with a Town Crier's bell, to be used on special occasions involving Lyme Regis.

St. George's Town Crier Richard Elsom and his Lyme Regis counterpart Philip Street both proclaimed the announcement to twin only yards from the site where Sir George's body came home.

Mr. Elsom said: "It is the wish of our people that we may joyfully expand our links with exchanges and share in a new and expanding fellowship.

"God bless Bermuda, God bless St. George's and God save the Queen.'' Mr. Street paid tribute to former St. George's Town Crier, the late Major Bob Burns.

He said: "Sadly Major Burns passed away before his dreams of twinning became a reality. Today, Bob Burns, we salute you.'' Mr. Hayward added: "I hope that over the years the cultural and sporting relationship will build up and that it will grow into something which will be of great significance to your town of Lyme Regis as I am sure it will be of great significance to St. George's.'' The twinning was toasted at with the traditional Bermuda tipple -- the dark and stormy.

Richard Fox, former Lyme Regis Town Crier and chairman of the Lyme Regis St.

George's Twinning Association, said he hoped this was the start of a link which would last for hundreds of years.

"And I hope the people of St. George's will ring the bell we gave them in commemoration of this day and in commemoration of Sir George Somers.'' Message from Queen highlights twinning ceremones -- Page 5