ONE of the founders of the Wiltshire Link Scheme was presented with the Trowbridge Civic Award for her tireless work in the community at the Civic Dinner on Saturday.

Sue Marshall, 79, along with Tony Buckingham, became one of the first co-ordinators for the community transport scheme 18 years ago and is still very active in running it today.

Link is a volunteer-led community scheme which offers transport to people who cannot access their own, taking them to hospital and dentist appointments, funerals and more.

Mrs Marshall, of Church Lane, said: “It was a complete and utter surprise to win.

“I’ve been to the Civic Dinner for a number of winners to represent Link but never thought I’d ever win the Civic Award.

“There must be other people in the community just as deserving of this award as I am, but it’s very nice to be recognised.

“The service has come a long way in 18 years and the demand has grown rapidly.

“I get so much enjoyment out of it so I can’t see myself stopping any time soon.”

The event, which was attended by nearly 300 people, raised £2,693 for mayor Linda Self’s two charities, Breakthrough Trowbridge and Alzheimer’s Support.

A manager from Tesco Express handed a cheque for £571 to the mayor which was raised from a tombola held at the store last month.

Mayor Linda Self said: “It was a really excellent evening.

“There were lots of people there and everyone seemed to have a good time.

“It was fantastic to raise that amount for the two charities and I must say a huge thank you to everyone who made that possible, as well as those who worked hard to organise the event.

“Giving the Civic Award to Sue was an honour. She had no idea she was getting it and it was lovely to see her reaction.”

Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Millward was one of three Paralympians invited to the event, where she promoted her book, Paying the Price.

She said: “The evening was absolutely fantastic, it was so interesting talking to all the different people there and hearing their individual stories.”