A HOTEL manager from the island paradise of Zanzibar is flying back to Britain for his very own ‘Robins weekend’.

Robert Hind, 45, originally from Highworth, said he has already hired a Hummer limo and organised a few parties to celebrate the event – which has been the “best news” he has had since he moved from the market town to the Tanzanian outpost, off the east African coast, four months ago.

He said in total the trip will cost him £1,400 but he added that it will be worth it if Swindon Town win because the only games Zanzibarians are able to watch on television are Premiership and Championship matches.

The general manager, of Z Hotel, in Nungwi, said he has converted 110 staff at the hotel to Robins’ fans.

He said: “Most of the people here know all the teams in the Premiership but had no idea about Swindon Town until I came along, but now all 110 of them are rooting for Town at Wembley.

“I only miss three things about the UK and Swindon – that is my family, real ale and Swindon Town.

“And if Town make it to the Championship I will only miss two, because I will be able to watch them on TV.”

He said an added bonus is that if Swindon win they will also have a chance to face off against his boss’s team – Bristol City.

“Playing in the Championship would be great because that would mean Swindon would play Bristol City, which everyone knows are the most important games,” he said. “The best part is that the director of the hotel is a Bristol fan.

“He has been great and has given me the time off for the match.”

And the thing Robert is looking forward to the most about his trip home? The noise.

He added: “I want there to be lots of noise at the match and I want to see the Red Army out in full force.

“It will be great to feel the buzz of play-off football again.

“I think this year is our time.

“Town’s history has had a few ups, but more downs, so I think with the new owner and manager we have a few good years ahead of us.”

Robert also asked any fans keen on a vacation after the ‘roller coaster ride’ to visit him in “paradise” – as long, he said, “as they can handle the 40°C temperatures”.