The awards were made in a ceremony at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge and were hosted by Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, David Penn. Wiltshire County Council chairman Allan Peach, who gave the closing speech, said: "This year's winners have some wonderful stories to tell. "They are all very worthy winners and show just what can be achieved in our communities. People who actively contribute to their communities are helping to improve life in Wiltshire every day." Members of the public nominated individuals and organisations in six categories - young people, good neighbours, carers in the community, those who protect the environment, people who have achieved sporting success, and the employer of the year. All the winners received a £500 prize. The employer of the year received £500 of free advertising. Environment Award Salisbury-based Wildlife Rescue, which provides wildlife care, advice and expertise throughout the UK, is the winner in this year's environment award. Youth Award Fifteen-year-old Jonathan Bates, from Westbury, is the winner of the youth award. Jonathan has become actively involved at Matravers School in Westbury since moving from Yorkshire 18 months ago, helping other students and sitting on the student council. He has also helped to care for several elderly neighbours and rescued an 89-year-old neighbour who had fallen down in her bungalow. Community Award Seventy-two-year-old Eileen Thompson from Chippenham, who has been a volunteer at St Paul's Primary School for the last 12 years, has won the carer in the community award. Eileen, who still cycles into school every day, maintains the school garden all year round, as well as helping children with their school work and school activities. Sporting Success Award The winner of the sporting success award, Abigail Regler from West Ashton, was the youngest person to train to be a British Gymnastics Assistant Coach at the age of 14, qualifying last September. Good Neighbour Award Charlie Finbow, from Westbury, is this year's 'good neighbour'. Charlie, who is a full-time carer for his disabled wife, is chairman of his local school's board of governors and set up the school's computer club. He is also well-known for helping people in his local community to sort out problems they are facing. Employer of Year The employer of the year is Shelwork Industries of Salisbury, a subsidiary of the charity Action for Blind People. This organisation employs people whose disability may be a barrier to employment and professional training. Its overall objective is to employ, train and place individuals in the wider workplace in Wiltshire. The sponsors of this year's awards are Virgin Mobile (good neighbour award), Nationwide Building Society (youth award), Persimmon Homes (sporting success award), Orders of St John Care Trust (carer in the community award), Wiltshire Times (environment award), and Ringway Parkman (employer of the year award). The awards are co-ordinated by Wiltshire County Council in partnership with Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Wiltshire Constabulary, Wiltshire Health Authority, Wiltshire Fire Brigade, Swindon Borough Council, Agenda 21, Community First, Newsquest Wiltshire, BBC Wiltshire, BBC Swindon, Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership, CSV, Kennet District Council, North Wiltshire District Council, Salisbury District Council, West Wiltshire District Council, GWR Radio and Corporate Events. |