Leader of Hull City Council Carl Minns beneath the Stars and Stripes flying on Hull's Guildhall

Lord Mayor of Hull Cllr Trevor Larsen

"Raleigh-ing" across the world

It was the first-ever English speaking colony in the United States, set up by its namesake, the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.

Today, the city of Raleigh, in North Carolina, is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees - and it's also the fastest-growing city in the United States, with a population that's doubled in the last 40 years to more than a third of a million.
But another source of pride for Raleigh residents is that its sister city is our very own Hull.
And in a message from America, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the link, the Mayor of Raleigh, Mr Charles Meeker, wished all Hull residents the very best of tidings.
He said: "The relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has lasted through the decades of immense change and challenge.
"Raleigh treasures its 20-year relationship with Hull and excitedly anticipates a further strengthening of our bonds in the coming years." Meanwhile in Hull, the red, white and blue Stars and Stripes of the American flag were flying for the first time ever from the top of the Guildhall.
The Guildhall already has a conference room called "The Raleigh Room", in which the key to the American city and its flag are on display, along with pictures of the town.
Lord Mayor of Hull Cllr Trevor Larsen, whose daughter is a successful business-woman in California, said: "The Americans have always been great allies to the UK and our relationship with our friends in Raleigh is strong and purposeful.
"Although we are two cities which are different in many ways, there are many things we have in common." Hull City Council leader Carl Minns has now announced that he will be inviting Mr Meeker to visit Hull.
Cllr Minns said: "I would like the Mayor to see for himself not only the changes over the last 20 years, but also the many improvements planned for the future.
"Forging relationships with cities around the world is an important way to share examples of best practice and raise the profile of Hull around the globe."