CIVIC awards were handed out to three local organisations which have made a big impact in Westbury in recent years at a ceremony held on Friday evening.

Mayor Stephen Andrews hosted the annual Civic Awards evening at The Laverton and welcomed nearly 100 representatives from local organisations and businesses.

The three awards were given to Westbury Shed, Westbury Festival and the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion.

Cllr Andrews said: “It was a great event and a fantastic opportunity to reward people who have made such a positive impact in Westbury.

“I would like to thank everyone involved and to those who helped during the evening including the ATC Squadron, Westbury Town Council staff and Beth Murtie, a student from Matravers who very kindly did all of the photography.”

Westbury councillor Ian Cunningham, chairman of Westbury Festival, said: “I was delighted to win this award, it represents a lot of hard work over the years.

“This year’s festival will be the tenth anniversary so we’re hoping it will be the best one yet and we’d love to see the community support it once again.”

The total amount raised on the evening was £510 which will go to the mayor’s chosen charities, Carer Support Wiltshire and The Welfare of the Elderly (Westbury).

Dan Gmaj, chairman of Westbury Shed, said: "I'm incredibly proud. In a very short space of time we've achieved so much and our committee has grown from three to 11.

"It's all go for Westbury Shed and we've got some very exciting things lined up this year."

Cllr Andrews added: “Westbury Shed has already made a considerable and enduring mark on the town and has enjoyed quite a volume of achievements in one year.

“Over the years the festival has definitely raised the profile of Westbury and the Royal British Legion has contributed immensely to the life and fabric of the town.

“We cannot begin to estimate how much money they have raised in total but it must be considerable.”