A SWINDON councillor has been shortlisted for an award celebrating business and culture in ethnic and minority groups.

Bazil Solomon, who represents Liden, Eldene and Park South, is up for the Community Companion accolade at this year's British MTM award thanks to his contribution to the town.

He said: “I am humbled to be shortlisted for the British MTM Awards. As we look across the world from our island nation, we must find the words to close the distance between each other, families, communities and nations, at this crucial moment in our history.”

Coun Solomon has worked tirelessly to get young people involved in sport.

He said: “Some time back I was helping the Nepalese children by getting them into football.

"What they wanted to do is find a community. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or religion or background, you can just play football on a Friday afternoon.

“We need ways to bring all of us together. They like that I’m engaging with getting black and Asian people and getting them involved in football.

“It’s been an incredible journey the last few months.”

The winners will be announced at the a glittering gala awards evening on December 15 at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre at 6pm.