OCOTAL is thriving that's the message from Swindon aid workers who have recently returned from the Nicaraguan town.

In yesterday's Advertiser we looked at how dramatically Ocotal has changed in the six years since Hurricane Mitch struck.

The once desolate town that was swept away by the storms has now been rebuilt and the 30,000-strong community is forging ahead.

"There is a positive sort of optimism in the town," says Bruce Clarke, chairman of Swindon Ocotal Link.

"Ocotal is a transparent community a town with lots of vision. In many ways it matches Swindon with its vision for the future."

Where corruption has previously caused problems on a national scale, the town council now works well and binds together a strong community that has struggled back from what some thought was the point of no return.

In the poorest parts of the town 350 houses have been built as part of a Pueblos Unidos (United Villages) project.

SOL has contributed towards this scheme both financially and practically, giving hands-on help when out in Ocotal in recent years.

Many of the houses which had been destroyed or severely damaged could not be rebuilt on the same land because it was unsafe.

Great importance was placed on ensuring that electricity was installed and drinking water and sanitation had been provided in every home.

As well as this housing programme, SOL has also helped build a new school and medical centre.

The Comedor Princess Diana kindergarten is now a colourful, vibrant place of learning where poems about Swindon adorn the walls.

Culture is flourishing in Ocotal most people sing, dance and play guitar and take great pride in local customs and traditions.

As a result, SOL is now keen to attract visitors to the area and generate interest in a town that has had a truly remarkable voyage of recovery.

Obviously, Ocotal is not a tourist hotspot which would appeal to sun and sea lovers but a town which still requires some aid.

Trips to Ocotal would focus on learning about a culture very different from our own.

Various options would be available to potential visitors. They would be welcome to participate in hands-on aid work if they desired.

SOL chairman Bruce Clarke said: "Of course, the nature of the trips would vary according to demand.

"Anyone interested in going to Ocotal need only get in touch with us and we can take it from there.

"They would show people how they manage the things we take for granted every day.

"You tell us what you would like to do and we can do our best to arrange it.

"We like to work with these people as if they are our neighbours."

Dr Kandy Kandiah of Grange Park and his wife Sian took great inspiration from their December visit.

"You come back inspired," said Dr Kandiah. "It was the most amazing three weeks of my life. I really want to get back out there as soon as possible."

Since Swindon was first twinned with Ocotal in 1990, more than 60 Swindonians have visited the town, taking a hands-on role in various aid projects.

SOL is planning another trip for the end of 2004, but between now and then some of the town's youth groups are hoping to visit, as are some gap year students keen to witness life in Ocotal.

According to Mr Clarke, there is a sense of solidarity among the townspeople that perhaps only comes from having survived such a colossal natural disaster.

The Mayor of Ocotal, Marta Adriana Peralta Paguaga, says: "Mitch took everything, apart from the friendship and solidarity that we all have as neighbours and as a people."

Emma-Kate Lidbury