TOWN hall bosses hosted a civic reception for a special guest from Brazil this week to promote multi-million pound business links between the regions.

The Mayor of Recife, Joao Paulo Lima e Silva, and his party are on a six-day fact finding tour of the town.

Recife is in north east Brazil and the aim of the visit is to build on its strong personal, political and commercial relationships with Warrington.

The strength of these links has already created a potential market in north east Brazil estimated to be worth around £250 million over the next 10 years.

To date, eight companies from Warrington are in discussions over business valued at more than £25 million.

Alan Turley, head of economic development at the borough council, said: "The relationship between Warrington and Recife will play a vital role in building on the strong partnership between Warrington and North East Brazil - a partnership that will be of major benefit to both regions.

"It will operate on several levels; social, political and commercial and is helping lead to something long-term and inclusive."