Swindon Twinned with Disney World

To some visitors, perhaps the only vaguely magic thing in Swindon is the seven-island road junction beside the fire station, which is so baffling it has been branded the "magic roundabout". But that hasn't stopped Disney World in Florida selecting the Wiltshire town as the first twin town in its 38-year history.

The other parallels are equally hard to fathom – the Orlando theme park counts Mickey Mouse, Pluto and Snow White among it denizens, while Swindon boasts Melinda Messenger, Mark Lamarr and Billie Piper. But Disney executives chose Swindon ahead of 24 other British towns, including Blackpool, which at least has a rollercoaster, and Brighton, which has a helter-skelter and a ghost train.

Perhaps tellingly, the Disney executives picked Swindon not by visiting, but by watching a video slideshow produced by resident Rebecca Warren, 20.

She managed to draw implausible but ingenious parallels between a local zoo and the Animal Kingdom section of Disney World, her local cinema and Disney's vast Hollywood Studio, and the famous roundabout and Disney's teacup ride.

In January, Disney World sent a parade of characters to "bring a whole lot of Disney magic" to the town. The opportunity to claim twinned status only lasts a year.

"I can't believe that Swindon has won despite the bad press," said Anne Snelgrove, the South Swindon Labour MP, who was quick to try to turn the announcement to political advantage. "I am sure I could nominate seven Tory councillors to play the seven dwarves. Their budget-setting is totally Mickey Mouse!"