Community spirit and concern for others has been on full display at Steam museum.

Almost 300 people answered the borough councils’ appeal for volunteers to help out at the Covid-19 vaccination centre that has been set up inside the tourist attraction.

In fact the response was so great there are no more vacancies for stewards to help and advise others as they get their life-saving jabs.

Council solicitor Craig Hallett was among the many people who braved the cold, working as a marshal in the museum’s car park.

He said: “I saw the call for volunteers in the council’s weekly staff e-newsletter and realised at some stage my little boy will no doubt study the pandemic as part of his education, when he’s older.

“I wanted to be able to tell him I’d done something to help.

“It’s only something small and nowhere near as amazing as those on the frontline dealing with the pandemic every day, but it’s something.”

Craig explained he also wanted to play his part in getting life back to normal in town.

"Like everyone, I miss seeing my friends and family and taking part in hobbies stopped by the pandemic. I wanted to do something towards getting those back in my life.”

Brian Ford, the council’s cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We have seen it time and time again throughout the pandemic - Swindon people have really big hearts.

“The volunteering throughout the summer to help the most vulnerable in our communities was really great to see and this latest show of selflessness to help the vaccination programme is a real credit to the town.

He added: “I would like to thank everyone who offered to give up their time to help us when we needed them most, it really is very much appreciated.”

The council sent out the appeal for volunteers at the end of January, looking for people to act as car park marshals or patient co-ordinators. Its own staff, members of the public and volunteers from the Compassionate Swindon initiative stepped forward to fill the need within days.

Adver columnist Graham Carter was among the volunteers. He later wrote: "It was a ringside view from which to marvel at the friendly efficiency of the operation, and the impressive teamwork."

As a gesture of thanks, the council has moved some of its collection of modern British art, normally housed at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s Art on Tour team, to Steam to give staff and volunteers something to enjoy on their breaks from work. The Picture of Health display features works on the themes of health and wellbeing, such as exercise, fresh air, and a healthy diet.