THE founder of a Bradford on Avon pre-school day nursery has been named as the town’s Shining Light.

Gail Keverne won a hamper-full of Christmas goodies and will get to switch-on the Bradford on Avon Christmas lights display at 6.30pm on Friday, November 30.

The competition was launched to find a special member of the community who has really made a difference to the town and its residents.

The community award and hamper full of products from local businesses was presented by Bradford on Avon mayor, Cllr Alex Kay, on Wednesday (Nov 21).

Cllr Kay said: “Gail has shown how community spirited she is, as for many years she has run a caring and creative nursery business in Bradford on Avon and been involved in many community groups.”Gail is clearly highly respected and her nominations reflected this, not only in quantity but the huge variety of people that nominated her.”

“The Town Council look forward to acknowledging many more shining lights in the future.”

Mrs Keverne has run the Catkins Nursery at her Trowbridge Road home since 1987 and caters for up to 14 children aged fron two to five.

She said: “It was a total surprise. Everyone knew except me. I’m going to share the hamper with my staff.”

Mrs Keverne was nominated by 14 of the 20 nominations the town council received.