Walt Disney World to become twin town of Swindon

Swindon's 'Magic Roundabout' has previously been its only link with magic

A Wiltshire town hitherto best known for its railway heritage, Honda motors and Billie Piper, has been chosen as a twin by the Disney organisation.

Swindon beat 24 other UK towns competing for the unique honour.

Rebecca Warren who masterminded the town's approach will fly to Florida to unveil a plaque at Walt Disney World.

A special Swindon exhibition will also run next year at Disney's Epcot theme park, although it is not known what the display will contain.

'Great opportunity'

Ms Warren, 20, a building society worker, made a video of her home town and composed a special poem which impressed Disney's judges.

She will fly to Orlando with her nephew Aaron, 11, and five-year-old niece Amy to unveil a sign reading "Walt Disney World twinned with Swindon".

A similar sign will also be on display at the multiple roundabout in the West Country town.

She said: "I still cannot believe that my entry has been selected - it's fantastic. What a great opportunity for Swindon."

Hugh Wood, of Disney Destinations International, said: "Britain clearly has a love for Walt Disney World and long-standing affinity with the parks and their magic, which is probably why the number and quality of entries received was so high."

It is the first time the "magic kingdom" has twinned with somewhere "in the real world".