The winner of the Malmesbury's Citizen of the Year has been named as Sharon Nolan, chairperson of the Athelstan Museum council.

Sharon has taken home the award for having "a proven track record for making a difference" in the town through the likes of her dedication to the museum and fundraising efforts.

The ceremony took place during the Malmesbury Town Council's Annual Town Meeting, at the town hall, where the award was given to Sharon for her ‘significant contribution’ to the town over the years.

Sharon's award recognises her "extraordinary contribution and effect" since her appointment as chair of the Athelstan Museum in 2015.

Her accomplishments include supervising the restoration and refurbishment of the Rausing Building, which was the former Moravian Church, as well as overseeing important architectural changes to the museum's construction, including the creation of a mezzanine level.

Sharon said: “It is a great honour to receive this award. Malmesbury is a very special place. The location makes it special but so do the people. There are a great number of volunteers in the town, I am just one of them. Thank you, Malmesbury.”

Presenting the award, outgoing mayor Paul Smith said: “Sharon’s award is thoroughly deserved – for her fantastic commitment and contribution to the museum and the town, and for her personal leadership and achievements, and for her ability to work in a collegiate and collaborative way with the many volunteers who help run the museum.”

The acquisition of Malmesbury's own Turner, JM Turner's painting of Malmesbury Abbey, finished in 1827, is perhaps the most visible indication of her term as chair.

The artist came to the town three times and sketched the abbey, from which he eventually painted the watercolour that became part of his famous collection "Picturesque Views in England and Wales" (1825-38) which is thought to be the solely completed watercolour of that feature of Malmesbury Abbey.

The painting is the centrepiece of a rotating exhibition that celebrates local art and which includes work by Thomas Hearne who is said to have influenced Turner himself.

Sharon’s award also recognises her major fundraising actions for the museum and for galvanising the voluntary groups that ensure the museum continues to thrive as one of the leading volunteer-led museums in the country.

She added: “We are always on the lookout for more volunteers to help with different aspects of the museum. For anyone interested, the museum’s website shows our upcoming events.”