THE former boss of a Swindon charity had her hard work recognised when she met Tony Blair at a special reception.

Pippa Tarr was operations director of Reach Inclusive Arts, based in the Pinehurst People's Centre.

She is still involved with the charity on a freelance basis.

She met Tony Blair along with representatives from 450 other UK charities and non-profit making organisations at a reception in Lancaster House in London this week.

She said: "Lancaster House was very grand and it was exciting to meet Tony Blair.

"It's good for the charity and non-profit making sector to get some thanks for all the hard work that they do.

"Mr Blair was friendly and he said 'thank you' for the work that the charity does."

Helen Whelehan, who currently helps to run the charity, said: "I am very proud that the Prime Minister has recognised our work for what it is.

"We have been in existence for 25 years and we have really raised the profile of people with disabilities who are working in the arts.

"Whatever you feel politically this is a great recognition of our work."