Towns twinned with European towns

[Leapers]

Travelling my 7 hours to visit my parents a couple of days ago I obviously passed through a fair few towns, often seeing town name signs as you enter and saying that they are twinned with blah blah place in france or somewhere.
What does the twinned with actually mean, as they don't have the same name so not sure why?
Sorry if this is obvious but I have wondered for some time now.
Thanks

[MarkRae]

> I have wondered for some time now

Easy enough to find out: http://en.wikipedia.o...wns_and_sister_cities

[weecalf]

They go there and they go there thats about it

[Leapers]

That wiki article useful thanks! Is it stupid to say I didn't even think to google it and came straight to here ask instead!

[tonyav]

Thats why it's called Answerbank Leapers.

[Graham-W]

It's usually a way the councillors of both towns get a holiday, financed by us, to the twinned town for an "official visit" and "exchange of ideas". This usually takes the form of a few nights stay (all expenses paid) and a free bar.