Pasky Vitale with the wristbands which are making their way to his Swindon-madbrother Nick in Arizona Picture Ref: 78691-39AUGUST 3, 2005: A SWINDON man living in America will soon be receiving a special delivery from his hometown.

Nick Vitale, 40, moved to Arizona seven years ago.

He works as a football coach for Premier League club Charlton, working with young American hopefuls who may one day make the grade in England's top flight.

But while it is the red of Charlton that he works for, it is the red of Swindon that he carries in his heart.

His brother Pasky Vitale, 43, says Nick is Swindon mad and cannot wait to get his hands on one of our Swindon and Proud of It wristbands.

Pasky, of Covingham, said: "My brother checks the Swindon Advertiser website all the time to keep in touch with what is happening back home.

"He is in America but it was him that told me about the wristbands he knew about them before I did.

"He is Swindon mad and as soon as he saw them he wanted one and he has been on at me to get one for him. Everywhere he goes he tells people about how good Swindon is.

"I wanted to get him a Swindon and Proud of It t-shirt too but they only go up to extra large and he's a pretty big guy, I'm not sure it would be big enough."

The Swindon and Proud of It wristbands have been flying off the shelves and on to the arms of those who care about their town since their launch.

Loyal Swindonians, including Mayor Ray Fisher and TV personality Melinda Messenger, were among the first to snap up one of the limited edition bands.

With half the £2 price tag going to the Prospect Hospice, they are more than just a fashion accessory.

And with only 1,000 of the red bands made, many stockists have already sold out.

Pasky said: "I've got my brother two because I expect he'll try and get someone else to wear one. He's been in America seven years now but he loves Swindon just as much as he always did. He comes back every year and he is always checking on the football team."

Where to get your wristband

Swindon Advertiser reception, Victoria Road, Old Town

Swindon Advertiser street sellers

Baileys in Wootton Bassett

Baileys in Cricklade

Dillons Gorse Hill

Reillys, Covingham

Earles, Old Town

Coventry Farm News, Wroughton

S&S Convenience, Walcot

Dillons, Highworth

Prospect Hospice in Wroughton

Prospect Hospice shops in Havelock Street, Old Town, Gorse Hill and Wootton Bassett

Delta News, West Swindon

Gareth Bethell