A Swindon-born celebrity has revealed that she still visits regularly and is impressed with how the town has grown in recent years.

Melinda Messenger grew up in the town before launching a career in modelling and presenting.

Having studied at Dorcan Technology College, she spent six months as a Britannia Airways flight attendant.

After modelling, the star went on to present television shows such as Cowboy Builders and Fort Boyard as well as appearing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice.

Swindon Advertiser: Melinda with her dog Peggy who helped her open the new Swindon shop.Melinda with her dog Peggy who helped her open the new Swindon shop. (Image: Jollyes)

Despite reaching stardom and maintaining a successful career in the limelight for over 20 years, Melinda told the Adver that she still loves to return home.

“I come back fairly regularly because I’ve got family here including my brother and his family so when I’m back I visit them,” she said.

“Usually we end up going for a walk around Town Gardens in Old Town or along the railway because I like seeing the developments.”

The 52-year-old has also been impressed with how the town has changed and developed over the years since she left.

Swindon Advertiser: Melinda has been impressed with how her hometown has developed over recent years.Melinda has been impressed with how her hometown has developed over recent years. (Image: Newsquest)

“I think Swindon is a great place that is doing really well as all of the developments are both thoughtfully and nicely done,” said Melinda.

“So I like the growth of what is happening here as I think it works really well and obviously I like the people as it’s my hometown.”

Melinda, who has been practising as a psychotherapist since 2015, also loves her hometown for its nearby links.

“I love Swindon’s location as you have got everything here that you want but it is also really easy to get out to the countryside and all of the other villages,” she said.

“The town itself has changed massively but I always love coming home.”

Swindon Advertiser: Jollyes opened in Swindon on Friday afternoon thanks to the help of Melinda.Jollyes opened in Swindon on Friday afternoon thanks to the help of Melinda. (Image: Newsquest)

The television presenter was in Swindon to open the new Jollyes pet supplies shop at Mannington Retail Park on Friday afternoon.

Along with her own dog Peggy, Melinda helped cut the ribbon outside the brand new store and spoke to both staff and members of the public.

“Today has been absolutely brilliant and an absolute joy to come here to Jollyes and it is a really lovely and friendly place,” she said.

“If I was living around here still, I would work in this shop as that is how lovely it has been.”