A CHILDREN'S party entertainer who arranged fun events to keep his community entertained during lockdown has received an award from the prime minister.

Damian Pickett of Totally Crazy Party and Entertainment Services used the extra time he had on his hands while his business was closed to set up online quizzes and seasonal activities to bring a bit of cheer to his St Andrew's Ridge neighbours during a difficult year.

The events helped to raise funds for charity as well as smiles on children's faces.

They included a scarecrow trail and pumpkin hunt over Halloween, Christmas decorating and a virtual lights switch-on which featured a variety of pre-recorded performances from Swindon-based acts.

The parish surprised him before the switch-on with a hamper full of goodies for his family - and now his incredible efforts have come to the attention of the leader of the government.

Damian received a personal letter of thanks and a Points of Light award from prime minister Boris Johnson.

It said: “With your online quizzes, Halloween pumpkin hunts and your virtual Christmas event, you have not let the pandemic stop you from putting smiles on the faces of young people.

“You have kept local families entertained, brought cheer in challenging times and raised a superb sum for charity.”

Damian talked about how he felt when he received the award and what inspired him to use his entertainment industry skills for the greater good.

He said: “I feel truly humbled that I have been nominated, let alone chosen for this award!

"I love where I live and have always tried to be an active member of the community. When all my work stopped back in March, at the start of the first lockdown, I knew that people would be desperate for something to do to keep them and their kids amused.

"As I own an entertainment company, I figured I was in the perfect position to step up and bring a little fun and laughter to my neighbours.

“I never organised any of these events expecting anything in return, I just wanted to help others get through this weird time and have a bit of fun in the process.

"I love my job and missed being able to entertain so all these events were great for me. I’m so grateful to everyone who joined in with the crazy ideas I came up with and showed me so much support as without them, they wouldn’t have been the successes they were.

"I’m massively thankful to my wife Kimberley and my daughter Amelia, who were a huge help in all these events.”

The Points of Light award launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.

Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements, including hundreds of volunteers who have been recognised for how they have served their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.