SWINDON....AND PROUD OF IT: AN EXPAT believes Swindon is a better place to live than his adopted home of Brisbane.

David Kilby, once of Swindon, is now a resident of Queensland's capital, and Australia's third-biggest city.

But despite its fantastic climate and culture, David wishes his new home was more like Swindon.

Backing the Adver's Swindon .And Proud Of It campaign, he said: "I don't think many people would agree but if Brisbane was more like Swindon it would be a better place for it.

"Last weekend I met an Australian couple who spent about a year in Swindon and they said they loved the place.

"I miss my home town like you wouldn't believe."

Described by the Lonely Planet Guide as one of Australia's most progressive centres, Brisbane is home to dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums.

During the 1980s the city played host to a string of major international events, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games and Expo 88.

The guide says that since then Brisbane has developed into a lively, cosmopolitan city with several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and decent nightlife.

David used to live in Whitbourne Avenue in Park South, and his mother and brother still live in the area.

He said: "I have quite a few aunties, uncles and cousins in the town, but unfortunately contact was lost with them when my parents broke up."

He left Dorcan School in 1988 and then went to Swindon College in Regent Circus.

He worked for electronics firm National Semiconductor for five years and then catalogue group Stibo for eight years, both in Kembrey Park.

He ended up in Brisbane after meeting his Australian wife Nat.

And he says the things he misses about Swindon are numerous.

He said: "I miss having a kickabout with the lads at the Oasis, and a few drinks in the town centre and Old Town, getting the week's dramas out in the open with my best mates.

"I miss a good curry at the Khyber and a good lunchtime pie at Devon Savouries."

He also misses the convenience of the town centre.

He said: "The thing I'm really missing is growing up in the town and seeing it going through so many changes.

"I feel a bit sad knowing I'm not seeing the changes it's going through now, unless it's on the Internet.

"I miss the seasons too, although I know that's not entirely a Swindon thing. It's pretty hot out here."

David logs onto the www.thisis wiltshire.co.uk website most days to keep in touch with the news in Swindon.

He said: "I'm Swindon and proud."

Dave Andrew