Disna Gunasekera, 27, has returned home to Sri Lanka after almost three years of study and social life in Wootton Bassett.

"So many people in Wootton Bassett offered me friendship, made me welcome and helped me overcome my homesickness," said Miss Gunasekera as she prepared for her flight home and reunion with her parents and sisters.

"I shall miss many of my new found friends in Wiltshire," she said.

" I will remember you all with affection and grateful thanks for my wonderful stay in your country."

In living at Wootton Bassett, Miss followed in the footsteps of her father, Gamini who had a work placement at former Blanch Lely factory in the town in the 60s, completed engineering courses and studied at Lackham College.

She and her father had the same landlady, local councillor Daphne Matthews, who has become a close family friend and has visited Sri Lanka several times.

During Miss Gunasekera's time in England she gained qualifications in personnel and industrial commercial management.

She now holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and attained further RSA accountancy qualifications.

She said she has enjoyed work experience placements, including a time with North Wiltshire District Council, where she helped compile a report on women returning to work after maternity leave.

Latterly, she worked at Office World in Swindon.

She says she has appreciated English motoring styles."Here, drivers keep in lanes, not like at home," she said.