Three of Swindon's finest have been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list - with an OBE, an MBE and a BEM between them.

Chief executive of Reclaim Fund Adrian Smith was given an OBE for services to the financial sector.

Angela Plummer, former director of adult services for Swindon Borough Council, was appointed MBE for her work with vulnerable people.

Timothy Swinyard received a BEM for his services to the Swindon community, particularly during the Covid pandemic.

The annual list marks the achievements of extraordinary people across the UK.

Adrian Smith has been at the forefront of Reclaim Fund's work over the last 10 years to free up £800 million from dormant bank and building society accounts which has been used to help over 1000 good causes.

He said: "It's a bit cliched but it's humbling and it's a genuine honour.

"I've helped build the organisation up from nothing to what it is now so I'm very pleased.

"We've built up a momentum with a lot of money that's going to help good causes.

"I have a great team around me who deserve the honour as much because it's very much a team effort.

"It's all new to me but I'm hugely excited and very proud.

"I never imagined something like this could happen for basically doing my job.

"The social element is very important and being able to channel such a large amount of money to benefit worthwhile causes."

Reclaim Fund distributed £150 million during the pandemic to help charitable organisations such as children and youth services and social investment.

Tim Swinyard, 36, was "touched" to find out he'd received the BEM gong.

The British Empire Medal was brought back by David Cameron ad is awarded to community volunteers.

Coun Swinyard launched the Swindon Support Facebook group at the start of the pandemic. Hundreds of volunteers got involved by helping isolated and vulnerable people with their shopping, collecting prescriptions and preparing PPE gear.

He said: "I found out about the honour when I was working from home and the difficult thing is that you obviously can't tell anyone.

"I didn't expect it at all. It was really touching and it was just an amazing feeling although it equally belongs to all the volunteers who gave up their time.

"The group was incredibly busy at the height of the first and second waves because it was hard to book supermarket delivery slots.

"People in need are still posting on the Facebook group now and there are always volunteers on hand who offer their support instantly but it's not as busy now which is a good thing."

Coun Swinyard first thought of the idea for the group when he heard about how many people were struggling during lockdown.

On some occasions, the 36-year-old used his own money to buy the food he gave to struggling families.

He was amazed by the number of people who wanted to help out.

He added: "The thing with Swindon is it's a cultural melting pot. It was truly amazing to see every part of every community.

"If I wanted something to be delivered I knew I would have a whole lot of volunteers coming out.

"Every religious group got involved and the healthy veterans were keen."

He is also a trustee of Dressability which produced PPE used by the NHS and care workers in Swindon.

He supported Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service by applying to his company for a £10,000 grant as well as arranging food and clothing donations.