They're about 3,000 miles apart in two different continents, but when you share the same city name it seems people will go to any lengths to make a visit.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Derek Smallwood, is currently preparing to host a party in honour of Ed Senn - who is travelling all the way from York, South Carolina, to see the city of the same name.

Councillor Derek Smallwood said: "A congressman who is good friends with Mr Senn contacted me and said he was coming over and would I mind showing him around."

Mr Senn, who will arrive in the city on Wednesday, is being treated to a special lunch when he will present the Mansion House with a piece of Catawba Indian pottery from York, South Carolina.

Councillor Smallwood added: We're really looking forward to his visit. It's another example of the close relations we have with America. Also, it puts the city in the spotlight once again.

"We also plan to set out the civic silverware so he can see it in its full glory, and perhaps present him with a gift from our city to take back home."

History of York, South Carolina:

The county was first established in 1785 as part of the Camden District.

From 1791 to 1800 it was part of the Pinckney District, and it became a separate district when Pinckney was dissolved in 1800. Part of the county went to form Cherokee County in 1897. When European settlers arrived, this part of the state was inhabited by the Catawba Indians.

Small-scale cotton farming was prevalent in the county in the 19th century, but textile mills became important in the 20th century, contributing to the growth of the county's largest city, Rock Hill.

Some well-known natives of York County are revolutionary leader Colonel William Bratton (1742-1815) and writer Dori Sanders.

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