SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland has been nominated for the Inland Waterways Association’s Parliamentarian of the Year award.

The Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership nominated Mr Buckland for the annual accolade because of his continuing support of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration which, given its complex nature, geographical location and project length, is a more challenging scheme than most and is more heavily reliant on the influence of MPs.

A spokesman for the partnership added: "Mr Buckland has championed the restoration across South Swindon and was instrumental in securing a £15 million investment from Swindon Borough Council as part of the broader Wichelstowe development. He has also facilitated discussions with the Department of Transport and Defra to deal with specific canal restoration issues that have come up in the course of the project."

The IWA Parliamentarian of the Year will be announced on May 13 at an event held at the Houses of Parliament.