SAMARITANS in Swindon are £2,000 better off thanks to the efforts of volunteer Helen Paige.

Helen, the branch's deputy director, was named overall winner in the WH Smith Chief Executive's Community Awards for her work with the charity over the last decade.

The awards recognise WH Smith workers who volunteer for community projects in their spare time.

Helen said: "I am delighted to receive this award from WH Smith on behalf of the Samaritans. The £2,000 reward money will go a long way to support the Swindon branch with its future projects."

Richard Handover, chief executive of WH Smith PLC, said: "WH Smith is thrilled to be able to recognise so many people who have given so much to their communities. These awards are particularly special within the company because they recognise those employees who give their own time and energy to causes which are important to them."

The awards are open to all of WH Smith's 32,000 employees around the world.

This year the winners came from all over the UK including Leicester, Lancaster, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle, West Sussex and London. One came from as far afield as America.