Wigan's Mickey Mouse dream!
Wigan is in line to become Disney World's official twin town - Florida's legendary Walt Disney World wants to pair up with a British town and Wigan is in the final running to win the extraordinary prize.
Wiganer Gareth Hill, 26, put Wigan town forward for the honour in a competition.
And Disney bosses today confirmed the town has been shortlisted from more than 280 towns.
He was one of more than 500 people from across the UK who nominated their hometowns to become Walt Disney World's official twin town.
His entry is now one of the 25 finalists to win the coveted title, which is due to be announced at the weekend.
Gareth said: "I'm very proud of Wigan, if any town can win it, why not us?''
If successful, Wigan will find itself hailed as having official "Walt Disney World Twinned Town" status.
And arrangements will be made to hold a magical Disney party in the New Year to celebrate the "twinning."
But such a win won't conflict with Wigan's existing twinning with Angers on the French Loire.
And a council chief said today she was delighted at the prospect.
Metro Cabinet member for Children Coun Susan Loudon said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and Wigan should be very proud to be nominated.
"I think sometimes we get so tied in to our humdrum lives that we need someone like Gareth to make us appreciate what is possible.
"I hope he wins and he and his family enjoy the holiday in Disney World and will be proud to return to the 'Wonderful World of Wigan' because I can't wait for the party."
Walt Disney World was opened in Orlando, Florida, in 1971 and has been developed into one of the globe's biggest tourist attractions with 66,000 staff operating four theme parks – including EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
If he wins, Gareth will jet off to Walt Disney World in Florida with his family for the official twinning ceremony presided over by the mayor of Main Street, USA, in the fairytale Magic Kingdom.
His quirky, photographic entry was selected for its creativity, sense of fun and originality that mirrors the values of Walt Disney World.
Competition from Lancashire was fierce, with the county submitting the second highest number of entries.
Entrants from Blackpool to Burnley put forward poems or pictures and even videos showcasing why their towns deserve to win the title.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wigan
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
