In 1986, David England discovered that the seaside town of Benodét in southern Brittany was looking for a similar Cornish town with which to twin. Knowing Benodét well from holidays spent in the area,

he met with the then Mayor and other interested parties, and upon return called a public meeting in Torpoint for those interested, as a result of which it was decided to form the Torpoint & District Twinning Association. This covers an area bounded by Crafthole, Sheviock and Portwrinkle to the west, and encompasses Antony, St John and Wilcove.