SWINDON is a shining example of the Tory vision, according to the Shadow Secretary of State for Industry.

MP Stephen O'Brien was given a whistle-stop tour of the town yesterday by Tory election candidate, Coun Justin Tomlinson.

And Mr O'Brien told the Evening Advertiser that Swindon is one of the UK's hidden gems.

"Swindon has built on its strengths and has a very long and good history of being able to support industry," he said.

"I'm convinced that Swindon could be the model of what we could apply nationally if we got into Government."

Mr O'Brien met workers at both Intergraph and Wilson Tools and listened to a presentation by Swindon Initiative.

The politician also chatted with the thinkers behind the on-going Lydiard Project which aims to restore the sprawling grounds of Lydiard House to its original image.