Community Initiative Award-winner Liz Spring. DA4380P04JOURNAL columnist and wildlife rescue volunteer Liz Spring was among the top award winners at an Oscar-style presentation night at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday.

The event was the annual Salisbury and district chamber of commerce and industry awards evening and took the form of a Caribbean party - complete with steel band and a buffet dinner.

Guests on the night included Salisbury district council chairman Frank Bissington and the Mayor of Salisbury, Bobbie Chettleburgh.

South Africa-born Liz won the Salisbury district council Community Initiative of the Year award.

The trophy was presented to her by Mr Bissington, in recognition of her work with the Wiltshire Wildlife Rescue Service.

Liz, of Fisherton Island, Salisbury, has been a volunteer with the Phil Groombridge-led rescue service since moving to the city five years ago. She runs the service's telephone helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helps with Wildlife Rescue school tours and takes owls, polecats and other wild creatures on visits to sick children in hospital.

And she also writes the Journal's monthly On The Wildside column.

After receiving her award, a delighted Liz said: "I'm so thrilled to have won and can't quite believe it.

"It is just wonderful and I see it as recognition for the whole Wildlife Rescue team.

"We are a small group of volunteers, led from the front by Phil Groombridge, but I think our work is really appreciated by the public.

"The service has rescued a record number of animals this year and I am so happy to be helping out.

"It is very rewarding work."