TEENS from Warrington and twin town Hilden in Germany have joined forces to launch a new app.

The 'Town Centre Trail' app will be free to download from today, Thursday, giving pupils the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Warrington and Hilden.

Launched at the Parr Hall, young people and families, representatives from the twinned towns and the Mayor of Hilden, Birgit Alkenings came together for the celebration event which also saw a projection of the app onto the Parr Hall for guests to view from Queens Gardens.

The launch was the culmination of nearly two years hard work from Warrington and schools and colleges including composing and producing the music and documentary-style short films to encourage young people to think about Warrington and Hilden’s past, present and future thanks to the Warrington/ Hilden Lifelong Learning Programme, funded by the Comenius Regio Partnerships via the British Council.

Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children and young people, said: “This is such an innovative project.

"Lots of young people, groups and partners have been involved and the end product is a digital resource that educates young people about the towns they live in and their cultural heritage.

"Teachers and leaders of the project have visited Warrington and Hilden and delivered workshops to strengthen existing links, develop communication pathways and exchange ideas and information."

But what do we know already about our neighbours in Germany?

1. Hilden is an industrial city near Dusseldorf in western Germany

2. Following the Second World Ward, the population of Hilden doubled as refugees from East Germany moved to the area

3. During the 1960s, the Lancashire Regiment - originally based at Peninsula Barracks in Warrington - was stationed in the Hilden area and the friendships which developed between the soldiers and German families were the basis of the links between the two towns

4. Forget Warrington Walking Day, in June Hilden residents have an annual 'Hildener Jazztage' involving all things jazz and shooting festival Schützenfest.

5. Waterpark Hildorado is the area's top tourist attraction according to Tripadvisor with one user's review reading: 'Fun and water'.