Could our mining town be twinned with Disney World?

ONE is a magical place with a pink castle where dreams come true and the other is a former Derbyshire mining town.

But if Disney World Resort in Florida is twinned with Heanor, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck could be coming to the county to celebrate.

Heanor is among more than 400 villages, towns and cities entered into an online search for a place to be the first twin of the Disney resort.

It will be assessed by a panel of judges before a decision is made on which area is successful.

The chosen location will be given Walt Disney World Twinned Town status and a "magical Disney party" in January to celebrate.

Heanor was entered into the search by a resident who said: "Heanor is a great town to live in. It caters for all ages, schools for the young and retirement homes for the old."

The competition, which closes tomorrow, invites people to explain why their village, town or city would be suitable to twin with the world-famous resort.

Entries should discuss how the place celebrates its traditions, why it appeals to people of all ages, how it looks to the future and how it is family friendly.

Heanor faces competition from only one other Derbyshire town, Hadfield.

Heanor and Loscoe Town Council leader Heather Longdon said the idea could bring a real boost to the people of Heanor.

She said: "It's been around for a long time but it is up-and-coming as well, particularly as it is going through a regeneration and has got a new leisure centre up and running.

"I've lived here all my life and I've always found Heanor a nice place with lovely surroundings.

"Every child's dream is to go to Disney World so, even if this doesn't happen, just the thought should put a smile on a few people's faces."

Heanor is known as a market town. It is thought its market place was first established in 1894. It lies between Derby and Nottingham and has a history of coal mining.

Bob Janes, Mayor of Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, said the idea was strange but presented a challenge.

"In terms of giving the town a profile and making the people of Heanor feel good, it is an interesting idea.

"If it were actually chosen, I have no doubt the town would do the status justice and would learn lot from twinning with Disney World.

"I wish the resident who chose Heanor good luck and all the best and, if it really managed to happen, we would all support it," he said.

To view Heanor's entry, visit www.waltdisneyworldtwinned town.co.uk/gallery/290/andy_heanor/