CULTURE chiefs in Wigan are seeking the latest recruit to the borough's diplomatic corps to become the borough's French ambassador based in twin-town Angers.

For the past 15 years Wigan has been twinned with the ancient French city in the Loire Valley in western France.

Each year the council's planning and regeneration office sends a young ambassador to Angers, while the borough plays host to their opposite number from Angers.

The role of both ambassadors is to maintain and develop links between local organisations, translate speeches and interpret at functions.

Now the council is looking for an outgoing French-speaking borough-dweller to spend a year in Angers as ambassador number 16.

Wigan planning and regeneration principal strategy officer Patricia Evans, said: "We are looking for someone with good public relations skills and a friendly outgoing personality.

"We want someone to fly the flag for us and most importantly they must be fluent in both spoken and written French. We want someone who knows a lot about the borough. If you've lived or worked in France before that'd be ideal."

She said the job would be ideal for a recent graduate or a student preparing to graduate in French or modern languages.

Homeward bound ambassador to Angers Vivienne Hasler feels her year in France has been well worthwhile.

"It was an enriching experience that I am definitely glad I have achieved," says Vivienne, "after working in France for a year in 2000, going back has allowed me to discover things I didn't really appreciate the first time round and my language and written skills have developed enormously.

"Each day is different. You can come into the office one day and be working on a translation and then the next you can have an official meeting or press conference or a reception where you have to translate for different schools.

"There are lots of things to learn and lots of opportunities. This is a once in a lifetime experience -- I would really recommend it."

More details from Patricia Evans on (01942) 705294 or visit the council's twinning webpages.