DELEGATES from Offerton Park Parish Council have been preparing for their trip to Dodge City next week by brushing up on their cowboy skills.

Representatives from the Parish Council will be jetting off to the American city on April 3 in a bid to forge closer relationships with the famous ‘cattle’ town and build on the existing friendship agreement between Stockport and Dodge.

The historic links between Offerton and Dodge City were first established when William Dodge left Offerton in 1629 and with the help of his relatives went on to found Dodge City.

Parish clerk, Craig Ainsworth, who with the help of deputy clerk Damian Eaton will be keeping a blog of their experience in Dodge, said: "Myself and the six other delegates are really excited about the trip now. We have got a great itinerary planned and can’t wait to get well and truly stuck in to the cowboy way of life.

"Offerton has a unique relationship with Dodge City and it’s amazing that we can support the Friendship Agreement made by the city and Stockport council in 2001, identify the joint initiatives that will benefit both towns and ultimately celebrate the historic link between the two communities."

The Dodge City Commission has welcomed the visit and, like the Offerton delegates, hope the experience will enhance education, business and community links between the two communities.

Dodge City manager, Ken Strobel said: "I think it would be a valuable experience on learning how the people in the Offerton Parish live and deal with their issues. An increased connection with Stockport would be an excellent idea."

The Parish Council has provided financial support for Councillor Keith Ryan, Chairman of the Parish Council, and Damian Eaton to make the visit to Dodge City and the head of business at Offerton School, Jennifer Faricy, will also be joining the delegation to represent young people in the Offerton community.