CIVIC leaders have voiced their support for the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News campaign to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities.

The new initiative, sponsored by Airsprung Beds, was launched last week and aims to reward those who selflessly give up their time to help others.

There are two weeks remaining for you to nominate those you feel deserve recognition in the categories of Volunteer of the Year, Charity Fundraiser of the Year and Good Neighbour of the Year. Each category will have a separate prize for the winning adult and person aged 17 or under.

West Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison said: "I welcome the Wiltshire Times' recognition of the many people in the community who are doing a great deal for others but whose contribution is not marked. We need to recognise them not least because there is an ever-shrinking pool of people who appear to be willing and able to give freely of their time."

Chairman of West Wiltshire District Council Cllr Paul Batchelor added his support to the scheme.

"There are so many people out there doing so much and they just get on and do it," he said. "They are not just having a positive impact on the people they are dealing with but have a knock on effect on so the whole community benefits."

Town leaders are also supporting the initiative and believe it is about time such people had some recognition.

Cllr Peter Leach, mayor of Bradford on Avon, said: "It's a brilliant idea. These people are all extremely important to all communities."

Trowbridge mayor Cllr Tom James added: "Towns are built on the good will of volunteers and they are hardly ever recognised. They do a fantastic job and underpin the towns but never get a pat on the back and they definitely deserve it."

Cllr Pamela Cox-Maidment, mayor of Westbury, agreed small towns rely on volun