birthplace of the Island's founder Sir George Somers will kick off today.

A 14-strong party will arrive in St. George's this evening from Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, where Sir George's body is buried and his home still stands.

Mayor of St. George's Henry Hayward headed a party which forged links with the ancient Dorset town last summer, with assistance from British Airways.

He said yesterday that the trip had already borne fruit, with English visitors making a point of visiting the historic East End town.

Mr. Hayward said: "We have had people come by to say hello and several people from Bermuda have call me to say they will be going to England and would be travelling to Lyme Regis -- it's been going both ways.'' He added: "This is an opportunity for people from Lyme Regis to meet locals so there will be a relationship built up there.'' And he said it was hoped to arrange friendly internationals between cricket and soccer teams from the two towns in the future.

Mr. Hayward added: "It's certainly all coming together as far as the interest from both sides goes.'' The Lyme Regis party, including Mayor Barbara Austen, will arrive on the British Airways flight.

They will be greeted by Mr. Hayward, as well as the St. George's Town Crier and a piper.

The official twinning ceremony, including an exchange of certificates, will take place on Sunday at St. George's Town Hall.

Taking part will be the band of the Bermuda Regiment, the Sea Cadets honour guard and the St. George's Fire Brigade.

That will be followed by a church service at St. Peters and a Springtime in St. George's spectacular, which will include a host of events.

The visitors will also visit attractions across the Island before leaving next Saturday.

The twinning celebration is being supported by the Bermuda office of British Airways.

Local manager Philip Troake, who attended last summer's events in Lyme Regis, said yesterday: "British Airways is the modern day provider of links to Bermuda which were originally forged by Sir George Somers.

"We are delighted to be able to support this great idea to recreate these historic links.''