WILTSHIRE Council has praised the efforts of the county’s volunteer community groups following an awards ceremony last week.

The Voluntary and Community Sector Awards 2011 were held at the Corn Exchange in Devizes.

The aim was to celebrate people and groups who have worked on exceptional or innovative schemes that have transformed the lives of people in the county.

Wiltshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, John Thomson, said: “These volunteers are an inspiration to us all as they demonstrate the wonderful work that is taking place in all our communities.

“We know they do not carry out this work for recognition, but for a desire to help others and to make their communities better places to live – for that we want to thank them.”

Bratton volunteer group, Reeves Orchard Community Project, won Best Community Initiative for its hard work restoring a 75-year-old orchard.

Group member Michael Pearce said: “This is lovely for the village, it is such a brilliant accolade and I’m truly proud of the group’s achievements.

“It is lovely to have been recognised by Wiltshire Council.”

On Tuesday the Reeves Orchard Community Project held its own celebration at Bratton Parish Church, to honour the volunteers’ achievements.

Another group which was rewarded at the ceremony was the Hope Nature Centre, based at Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge. The group won Most Inclusive Approach.

This was awarded for the group’s hard work supporting young adults with learning disabilities. The centre allows them to help out, on a voluntary basis, in the tearoom and around the grounds.

Chairman Tom James said: “It was such a great honour to receive the award and I’m proud of all the centre’s hard work.”

For more information about volunteering, call Volunteer Centre Wiltshire on 0845 521 6224.