The famous words of US President John F Kennedy were appropriated by a Swindon politician in response to an honour bestowed by a German town.

But whereas had declared himself a Berliner (or possibly a doughnut), the Labour councillor for Mannington and Western Kevin Small said: "Ich bin ein Salzgitterana"- I am a resident of Salzgitter.

Coun Small said: "That was the climax of my speech after I'd been awarded the gold medal of honour by the city's council.

"The audience seemed to like it- there was a big clap and a cheer."

Coun Smalls travelled to the city in northern Germany near Hanover with Swindon's mayor Junab Ali and five of his friends.

He had been given the city's highest honour for his work as the chairman of Swindon Borough Council's town twinning committee and his efforts in promoting links between the two towns.

He said: "I feel very honoured to be given the medal. It was such an honour to be invited to the ceremony.

"I said in my speech that I felt really grateful to be receiving such an honour and that one town in Germany had made this Englishman very happy indeed."

Swindon has been twinned with Salzgitter since 1975.