Tireless work by councillor for Liden Eldene and Park South Bazil Solomon will see him up for a national award.

Coun Solomon has been nominated as one of only 11 councillors among thousands in England and Wales in the Community Champion category of the Local Government Information Unit and Churches, Charities and Local Authority Councillor Awards.

A spokesman for the awards committee said: “The Community Champion Award is our most popular category. The councillor who wins this award will demonstrate they have championed a cause or several on behalf of the community using council mechanisms or structures, leading to positive changes for the local area.”

Coun Solomon said: “I was amazed when I got the email. I wasn’t expecting it at all, it’s pretty awesome.”

He was nominated for his work, including with young people, trying to keep them from falling in with gangs and into criminal behaviour.

He said: “I work with a couple of charities - BEST and the Platform Project. They both work with young people to help them stay safe and keep them out of trouble. We’ve had football events and boxing.”

“We had the police and crime commissioner come down with some officers to Eldene recently - we’re trying to establish communication and trust and speak to families and children about making sure young people stay away from gang..”

Coun Solomon has also been involved in lobbying government to intervene in his native South Africa after violence broke out following elections - and he has done a lot of work for conservation in Liden and Eldene.

He said: “I’ve worked with Friends of Shaftesbury Lake and Liden Lagoon on conservation and fishing, making sure they are clean and healthy and cleared up and we’ve run litter picks.

“You don’t do this because you think you might be up for an award. But I feel it helps to get some good attention for Swindon and the voluntary groups and keep us on the map a little bit.”

Jonathan Carr-West, LGIU chief executive said: “This year’s councillor awards shortlist showcases the best of local government.

"During a time when they have experienced unprecedented challenges and pressure, these councillors are true champions for local government and their communities

.”

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 1 in a ceremony at Camden Council in London.