COMMUNITY champions have been honoured with a permanent plaque to recognise their contributions to Swindon.

The Pride of Swindon Awards, which is celebrating its 11th year, welcomed the winners of this year to the official unveiling of the plaque in Swindon Central Library yesterday.

Speaking to those assembled, Swindon’s major Junab Ali said: “This is one of the highlights of the mayor’s year.

“We have so many unsung heroes in our midst, but they contribute so much that we can’t repay them in monetary terms. This is a way to give recognition to what you guys do.”

Engineer Colin Thatch, who won an award for promoting the town’s heritage, said: “I was born and bred in Swindon and I’m quite proud of the town.

“It does get a lot of kicks but it’s what you make of it. The message of this is doing something voluntary is the best way to help the town and improve its image.”

Winner Grahame Lee, volunteer co-ordinator at Step Out Swindon, which organises nine walks a week with around 250 people, said: “We have doubled the number of walks since 2017, and it has a big social side as well. It’s not just about the walking, it’s the whole package.

“It’s obviously good to get the recognition, we are very proud to have our name up there.”