Mark WightmanSWINDON...AND PROUD OF IT: HIS work colleagues call him Mr Swindon because he takes every opportunity to praise the town.

And Swindon property expert Mark Wightman is right behind the Adver's Swindon And Proud Of It initiative.

Staff at estate agents Dreweatt Neate in Old Town, where he is a partner, contacted us to say they call him Mr Swindon.

Mr Wightman, 60, was born in Old Town and now lives in Broad Hinton with his wife Trish.

While quick to praise Swindon, he is less enamoured with Wayne Hemingway, whose criticism of the town prompted our campaign.

The father-of-three said: "It's typical. People starting mouthing off about Swindon, when they probably haven't been here. He's a grade three celebrity and his name meant nothing to me."

He said Swindon had benefited considerably by being so cosmopolitan.

"Historically it was a small market town, but following Brunel and the Great Western Railway its growth over the last 50 years has brought a wealth of different talents," he said.

"Quite a lot are London people. You often hear the London accent around the town. This has broadened everybody's horizons and it is part of why it's so successful.

"Okay it might not win architectural awards but in terms of a community and successful economy, through ups and downs, it has been remarkably robust.

"Swindon has a huge number of international influences, which makes people open- minded and friendly to each other."

He also believes the town's prime location is central to its appeal.

He said: "It's in a marvellous location which for leisure purposes and other activities means you can get to fabulous countryside and to London and other big towns easily.

"That is also one of the reasons it has such a successful economy.

"Cultural life has improved since I was born.

"There's room for improvement but again our leaders recognise that.

"We have an urban regeneration company and a council that is committed to it.

"There is a heck of a lot that is good in Swindon, and it makes me very angry when ill-informed people shoot from the hip when they should know better."

He said that Dreweatt Neate was demonstrating its commitment to the town by expanding its premises in Wood Street.

And he said Mr Hemingway would not be invited to the opening.

David Andrew