The Pride of Swindon awards are not just about individual efforts - teamwork is crucial to providing much-needed support on a grand scale.

Swindon Alternative Angels help feed, clothe and house rough sleepers, healthcare staff vaccinate hundreds of thousands of people in the Steam Museum, The Recovery Tree offers a friendly space for people with mental health issues via TWIGS and The Olive Tree Cafe, Wiltshire TreeHouse helps grieving young people, and couple David and Jan Gingell collect supermarket food heading for landfill and give it to those in need instead.

Ian Surtees from Steam said: "It's absolutely amazing to work with them, what they did to create the programme was phenomenal, I'm so proud to be part of it."

The 54 volunteers and four part-time staff who donate 19,600 hours of their time each year to keep the Swindon Food Collective running act as a vital lifeline for families living in poverty.

In the first three weeks of lockdown, they sorted and distributed 100 tonnes of food through centres in Lyneham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Highworth, Freshbrook, Penhill, Pinehurst, the town centre and Parks, and fed 1,072 people - and two new distribution centres are opening this year.

Manager Cher Smith said: "Since I took over six years ago, we've gone from feeding 5,000 people to 8,000, and it's jumped again since April because of the fuel increase.

"Our team of volunteers are diamonds. The stories we hear are heartbreaking. Children don't know what's going on but a toy or chocolate bar brightens their day. When there is a crisis, Swindon comes together, that's the beauty of Swindon, we have a heart."

Prospect Hospice has provided free end-of-life care for clients for the 42 years. Manager Irene Edwards said: "It's been quite a journey, not least through Covid, but this award means so much to the whole team. Thank you to the community and volunteers for being so awesome in supporting the hospice."

Carers of disabled children set up Swindon SEND Families Voice to provide help and activities for young people with additional needs as well as ensure services are meeting needs.

The group helped GWH become the first UK hospital to have 'hidden disability' sunflower lanyards. One Ofsted inspector said they were "worth their weight in gold".

Shirley Ludford went from awards host to honoree when community radio station Swindon 105.5 received a trophy for its years of support and training.