A financial strategist thinks Swindon’s twinning with Disney could change public perceptions of the town significantly over the next year.

Bill Cotton, Swindon Council’s director of economic development, said the friendship is something that will offer the town a “positive focus”.

Last night Mr Cotton told the Advertiser: “Swindon is the first to be twinned with a world class visitor attraction in Disney.

“The media coverage Swindon has received has gone all over the world – CNN and the Wall Street Journal have done pieces on us, as well as local and national reports.

“Whereas six months ago you would have got one hit on Google on ‘Disney and Swindon’, for the Disney shop in town, now you can get thousands of hits.

“It has really boosted Swindon’s profile in a really positive way and we want to develop a strong relationship with Disney.”

He added: “The 12 months’ twinning gives us a focus to get on and do something. It’s hard to say what economic impact it will have, but this is something exciting that might change people’s perceptions of Swindon.”

A Disney summer parade, firework displays and a Christmas lights switch-on are some of the ideas in the pipeline.

The twinning came after Rebecca Warren, 21, from Stratton, won a national competition to give her home town the special friendship with Walt Disney World in Florida.

She beat more than 500 entries to claim the first ever UK twinning with the world class attraction over the next 12 months.

Rebecca cleverly incorporated the Magic Roundabout, the Empire cinema and Swindon Town Football Club into her 60-second video to be judged first and claim the prize at the end of last year.

She jetted out to America last week to be part of the formal unveiling of the twinning plaque which has been put up outside the UK Pavilion in Epcot and for which she was joined by Swindon Mayor David Wren.