CELEBRATING community involvement will be the central tenure of Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor Ian Ferries Civic Service on Sunday.

Dignitaries and guests from across the county and local communities will all flock to St Bartholomew & All Saints Church in the high street on October 25 to join councillor Ferries at his Civic Service, which will centre on Celebrating Community Involvement.

The service will start at 3pm

“I am proud at the way in which our town and the wider community of Wiltshire come together to make Royal Wootton Bassett a great place to live”, he said.

"This was never more aptly highlighted than at my recent charity dinner when local businessman, James Huynh of Oriental Aroma kindly sponsored the event, local people and businesses donated raffle and auction prizes and the generosity of Mayors of Wiltshire and residents who came on the night, meant with everyone’s involvement, we were able to raise £1,890 to go towards my chosen charity, Help For Heroes”.

The Reverend Vicki Burrows, Vicar of St Bartholomew & All Saints Church, will conduct the service.

“I am delighted to welcome the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, Councillor Ian Ferries to our parish church on the occasion of his Civic Service," she said.

"His theme of Celebrating Community Involvement resonates with the Christian Gospel message which calls each one of us to love our neighbour.”

A former member the of Royal Air Force, Help for Heroes is a charity close to the mayor’s heart, particularly as a family member was badly hurt in Afghanistan and was helped by this charity to recover.

The charity’s goal is to provide a network of support for those wounded and their families, in giving opportunities for them to achieve their full potential.

As part of schedule of fundraising events set to take place this year, brave residents are preparing to be spooked at the long, ghostly and colourful past of Royal Wootton Bassett by Town Crier, Owen Collier who is hosting Ghost Walks on Thursday, October 29, with donations given to the Mayor’s Charity.

In the spring of next year, the Mayor is looking to hold a Fun Run and 5K Race, ideal for all ages and abilities, to have fun and raise more vital funds.

Refreshments will be served in the church following the Civic Service. Everyone is invited to attend and further details can be obtained from Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council on 01793 850222, or email enquiries@royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk.