Twinning of towns could be used to boost tourism and forge new business links. An exhibition in October is to explore how Swindon's links with towns all over the world can return commercial benefits.

Swindon is currently twinned with several international communities including Salzgitter in Germany, Ocotal in Nicaragua, Torun in Poland, and Tigru Mures in Romania. The associations that maintain the links between the towns have been invited to come together for a conference on October 1 at a venue to be determined.

It will be addressed by speakers from all over Europe, including the mayor of Salzgitter and Members of the European Parliament.

The aim of the festival is to produce plans to develop Swindon's twinning relationships over the next three years.

The Swindon-Salzgitter Twinning Association, which is organising the event, believes twinning can act as an engine for tourism and commercial links.

And it wants to strengthen links to make twinning visits more value-for-money.

Continental street markets will be held in Swindon during the month-long exhibition.