Ref. 28648-44OCOTAL Swindon's twin town in Nicaragua which was devastated by Hurricane Mitch is now back on its feet and inviting the people of Swindon to visit.

Eleven people from Swindon have recently returned from the town and were delighted to see the huge scale of improvement.

In October 1998, the town was destroyed by the hurricane 10,000 people were killed and one in four homes were wrecked.

There was no clean drinking water and little food or medical care.

Hundreds of people were forced to live under plastic sheeting with little protection from the elements.

More than 400 families had to be relocated and Evening Advertiser readers rallied around to support our twin town, sending out seven tonnes of aid to families via an Ocotal Appeal.

But five years later the town is now a picture of boom rather than gloom.

Schools, roads, markets and hospitals are not an uncommon sight and morale is high among the town's residents.

Bruce Clarke, chairman of Swindon Ocotal Link, said: "There has been a dramatic change in Ocotal. There has been so much improvement."

Dr Kandy Kandiah, a doctor from Grange Park, has recently returned from Ocotal, buoyant with enthusiasm for the place. "The people are so proud of their town," he said. "The town centre is a different world now. The people look so happy and they are determined and focused to keep progressing."

In the wake of this new found status Ocotal is now looking to promote eco-tourism and attract visitors to the area especially those people who helped it to find its feet when times were tough.

"The people of Ocotal are intensely proud of their town and would love to show it off to the people of Swindon," said Mr Clarke, who has been involved in SOL for more than 10 years and is now looking to organise eco tours.

"Ocotal isn't just about happy holiday snaps," he said.

"Our eco tours involve a look at the town's ecology and geography as well as its culture, history and beauty. It is about discovery.

"There is definitely an element of education on both sides."

SOL has heavily supported the town's kindergarten, Comedor Princess Diana, which has become a focus point for Ocotal's young children.

The town has a population of about 30,000 and is roughly the same size as Wootton Bassett.

According to Dr Kandiah, the people of Ocotal place more value on Swindon people's interest than their money.

"The people are ever so friendly and they are grateful for our interest," said Dr Kandiah.

"They make you want to go back again and again."

Mr Clarke said: "Now we want to urge people to go to Ocotal rather than just read about it. The focus is different now this is no longer just about charity."

If you would like to learn more about Ocotal get in touch with Bruce Clarke on 01793 533338.

Emma-Kate Lidbury