MENTION to a stranger that you live in Swindon and you are likely to get the response: "Isn't that the place with the silly roundabout?"

Driving through the Magic Roundabout for the first time can be a daunting prospect, and being right next to the County Ground means it has the potential to confuse thousands of visiting supporters on matchdays.

But the reason the roundabout has survived so many years is that, once you take the plunge and try it, it works.

It is at the heart of our town, at the centre of four main routes, yet very rarely do you find yourself clogged up in traffic.

And, like all good ideas, word eventually gets around.

Now the French have contacted Swindon Council requesting a guided tour of the Magic Roundabout.

Eight engineers and politicians will be in our town tomorrow.

We trust they will like what they see and return home inspired.

And hopefully, in a few months, we will be visiting Brest to report on Swindon's latest and most unusual export.