Hurricane boy's link visit

And now the 19-year-old youth worker is spending seven weeks in Swindon to boost links between the twin towns.

Lesther was born and grew up in Ocotal and this is his first time in Europe.

It's already been full of surprises for Lesther, who met revolutionary Che Guevara's daughter last weekend at a conference in London.

"The trip has been very good so far," says Lesther, who lives with his mother and three brothers in Ocotal.

"Everything here is very different to where I come from the people, the place, the climate.

"The people seem more reserved here, but maybe that's because of the climate. It is very cold here.

"The buildings are constructed differently too. We only have one-storey buildings, whereas everything is two or three storeys here."

Lesther's trip to Swindon is funded by Swindon Ocotal Link, the town's twinning group which organises trips to the Nicaraguan town and has worked hard to improve the links.

Lesther is staying with Bruce Clarke, SOL's chairman for his seven weeks here.

As well as appearing at several youth worker conferences, Lesther will visit Swindon schools, colleges and community groups to raise awareness of Ocotal.

The once desolate town which was swept away by Hurricane Mitch six years ago has been rebuilt by the 30,000-strong community. Almost half of Lesther's schooling was affected by the storm.

"It was terrible," says Lesther.

"People lost their homes and family members.

"We had nothing to eat and although we had money there was nothing to buy.

"It was also very difficult to get water.

"The town has now recovered, not totally, but huge improvements have been made.

"I'm really looking forward to making links with Swindon, as well as other towns across Europe."

SOL visited Ocotal last year and will be going out again next month.

"The aim is to get more and more Swindonians out to Ocotal," said Mr Clarke.

Places are still available on this year's November 25 to December 9 trip at £1,100. Call 01793 466042.