SWINDON MP Robert Buckland has been recognised for his outstanding work with children with special needs.

The MP for South Swindon has been nominated for the first Grassroots Diplomat Initiative Award.

But he is not sure who put him up for the award, which aims to shine spotlight on outstanding diplomats and politicians in the UK for their dedication, commitment and selfless efforts in representing civilian matters at the highest level.

Mr Buckland has been nominated in the Policy Driver category for his commitment to children with special educational needs both nationally and locally in his constituency.

It is claimed that without Mr Buckland’s intervention thousands of children with special needs would have lost access to legal help they need to secure a quality of education.

And he provides invaluable support to the National Autistic Society and is renowned for bringing the voices of disadvantaged young people right into the heart of Parliament.

Mr Buckland also opened the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Centre at Green-down School in 2010, which had two new classrooms providing 15 places for autistic pupils.

He said: “I am delighted to have been nominated for this award. If my nomination helps to promote causes that I believe in, then it is a good thing.”

Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, the director of Grassroot Diplomat said: “Grassroot diplomacy empowers the voiceless, defines a path for the hopeless, and restores faith to influencers. “The Initiative Award seeks to build trust again between the ‘us and them’ and bring people of all statuses together.”

More than 50 high-level Government officials have been nominated in three categories but there can only be six winners.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Vincent Rooms, Westminster on Thursday, January 31, with an evening performance led by Eurovision Song Contest artist Imaani.

For tickets visit www.grassrootdiplomat.org/awards. Early Bird Ticket sale ends November 2012.