HAWORTH will welcome Peruvian VIPs this month as it relaunches its link with the historic village of Machu Picchu.

Haworth and Machu Picchu – home to a World Heritage site in the mountains of Peru – were officially twinned 10 years ago.

The original agreement was signed by the mayor of Machu Picchu, and Haworth Twinning Group is now holding a second signing session on August 30.

A planned highlight of the invitation-only drinks reception at Haworth’s Old School Rooms will be a live link-up with the current mayor of Machu Picchu, Darwin Baca.

Haworth Parish Council chairman David Mahon will sign a new agreement, watched by guests including Keighley MP John Grogan, who recently formed an All Party Parliamentary Group with Peru.

In attendance will be Peruvian Ambassador, his wife Prinzessin Von Preussen, and celebrity chef Martin Morales who will speak about his life and his involvement in the charity Amantani.

There will also be councillors and representatives of Haworth schools, businesses, churches, tourist attractions, and members of Haworth and Yorkshire Fairtrade Groups.

Witnessing the renewal of the partnership with the community will be John Steel, chief executive officer of national Fairtrade supplier Café Direct, and regular visitor to Haworth Bruce Crowther MBE.

Celebrations will continue the following day, Saturday, August 31, with an open event between 1pm and 4pm where Martin Morales will demonstrate Peruvian food, talking about his life, and selling and signing his books.

John Steel will speak about the farmers who grow the coffee close to Machu Picchu.

Another live link-up is planned with the people in Machu Picchu during the August 31 event, and Thornwood Alpacas will take along their animals to provide a touch of the Andes.

The celebrations will end with an evening party featuring live music from Peruvian trio Keiffer and the Andean Beats.

A friendship link is being developed between the children of Machu Picchu and students at Haworth and Parkside schools.

Over the past 10 years the twinning has resulted in several projects, including opticians visiting Machu Picchu to provide donated spectacles, and funding basic kitchens for schoolchildren, both in rural areas of the Sacred Valley.

After devastating floods in the area, money was raised by selling cards depicting images drawn by Machu Picchu children.

A spokesman for Haworth Twinning Group said: “Advancement in technology allowing communication which was not possible 10 years ago gives the group the means to build the close friendships with the Machu Picchu community.

“A long-term plan for a teacher exchange would bring real benefit and understanding to both villages.

“Learning each other's language and culture, sharing ideas and experiences is something we can all, particularly young people, benefit from in this uncertain and changing world.”

Visit haworthmachupicchu.org.uk for further information.