Swindon Mayor Peter Stoddart has said the town should take more pride in its cultural assets.

The Abbey Meads councillor, who took over as mayor in June, said that he had been surprised at the quality of artistic talent in Swindon.

He urged Swindonians to do more to check out the talent for themselves.

And he called on local people to show more self-confidence in their own cultural credentials.

"People reckon Swindon is barren as far as culture is concerned but that's rubbish," he said.

"Since becoming mayor I've been to a number of shows and I've really been surprised at how exceptionally talented many people are.

"Swindonians should play ourselves up a bit more than we do. I'm amazed at what I'm seeing and it's really pleasing."

Coun Stoddart said he had completed more than 50 engagements since he became mayor six weeks ago.

"At times you don't have time to breathe, but it will calm down over the next couple of weeks because people are on holiday," he said.