County twinned with earthquake-hit region offers help » Local government » 24dash.com

An English county twinned with the earthquake-hit Sichuan province today offered to send search teams to the area.

Leicestershire has developed strong trade and cultural links with the region of China since a twinning agreement was signed 20 years ago and there have been regular visits from delegations between the two areas.

More than 300 Leicestershire businesses have links with the region and 10 county schools have twinned with counterparts in Chongqing.

Today, county council leader David Parsons said he was in contact with the local Sichuan government and was getting regular updates on the situation.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, which has canine search teams, said it was on stand-by.

Mr Parsons said: "I am in regular contact with the Governor of Sichuan and yesterday offered my condolences. We have close cultural and trade links with Sichuan and have friends and colleagues in the area.

"We were shocked to hear of the devastation caused by the earthquake.
Although Leicestershire is separated by distance, we will do whatever we can to help at this difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with everyone involved in or affected by this tragic event."

Min Rose, China Business Advisor for the locally-based East Midlands China Business Bureau, said: "Communication is incredibly difficult but I managed to get through to my immediate family a few hours after the event and thankfully they are okay.

"There is a real community spirit - people are donating blood and ferrying people to hospital. I am very moved by the concern and support received here in Leicestershire."

Trade delegations have travelled between Leicestershire and Chongqing to forge business, educative and cultural relationships with China since the agreement was signed in 1988.