THE Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire has heaped praise on Swindon for raising more than £14,000 for local charities during the Swindon Cares week.

Sir Maurice Johnston said that he was proud to be associated with the town and said the rest of Wiltshire should follow its lead.

Hundreds of people, including groups and businesses, took part in activities during the fundraising week in July.

Events included a sunhats and shades day, adopt a jelly baby, sponsored silences and a sponsored bike ride around the Arkell's-owned pubs in Swindon.

Three charities Age Concern Swindon, NSPCC Swindon, and the Evening Advertiser-backed Macmillan Cancer Relief were each awarded £4,176.

Money is still coming in and any not given to charity this year will go into next year's pot.

At yesterday's presentation at the King's Arms Hotel in Wood Street, Old Town, Sir Maurice said: "There are a lot of people who do not have families, jobs or roofs over their heads.

"Whenever I come to Swindon I am humbled for two reasons. Firstly, by the amount of people who do things for others and secondly by the attitudes of the people who receive the charity.

"Swindon Cares provides the link between the haves and the have nots."

Jacquie Sheppard of Age Concern Swindon was delighted with the cash and said it would be used to employ an extra worker at the stretched Milton Road centre.

"There are around 40,000 people in Swindon over 55 and we get between 50 and 70 calls every single day from people wanting advice from anything ranging from which plumber to use to information on care homes."

Justin Bradfield, a manager for NCPCC Swindon, said that its share of the cash would go towards securing the charity's presence at the North Swindon Family Centre and the Swindon Centre in Old Town.

He said: "We would like to thank the people of Swindon without whom this money would not have been raised."

Graziella Campisano, appeals manager for Macmillan Cancer Relief, said their cash would go towards the Swindon Cancer Appeal target of creating three new posts one mobile cancer consultant, who will travel between Prospect Hospice and the Great Western Hospital and two nurses, who will both be based at the hospital.

Mrs Campisano said: "Swindon Cares has been a really creative way of getting business to come together and support the local community."

Firms singled out for praise include Zurich, Nationwide and Swindon Chamber.

Organisers are now beginning to plan next year's events including an inter-company quiz, speed dating and a concert.

To find out more contact Pam Webb of Zurich on 01793 502450.

Kevin Shoesmith