SWINDON-based Zurich Financial Services has been awarded Company of the Year in the Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards.

The company received the accolade for Zurich Cares, its community involvement programme which supports and encourages staff to help the disadvantaged through fundraising and volunteering activities.

One of its Swindon-based staff was present at a ceremony attended by HRH Princess Michael of Kent in London. Paul Bentley was voted the South West Area Employee Volunteer of the Year after putting in 700 hours' work a year for community projects.

Her Royal Highness presented Paul with an award at the ceremony.

The 42-year-old marketing manager from Stratton St Margaret, said: "It was a very proud moment. The whole scheme was all about trying to encourage others to donate their time and it's great to be recognised."

Each year, Paul gives his free time helping such organisations as the Swindon Samaritans. He takes phone calls, answers emails, sees clients and helps to train new volunteers. At the Broadgreen Breakfast Club, Paul serves breakfast to homeless people every Monday morning before work and has befriended many of the regular visitors there.

Princess Michael presented Zurich with the main award which was accepted by Stuart Reynolds, alliance director for Zurich and chair of Zurich Cares.

Sandy Leitch, CEO of Zurich Financial Services, said: "We're very proud of the work our people do in their local communities. This award, while presented to Zurich, represents hundreds of individuals who give selflessly of their time and money.

"The company supports their generosity by encouraging participation and matching their contributions."

Zurich's employees give an estimated 20,000 hours of their time each year, getting involved in a broad range of activities including sharing business skills, lunchtime volunteering and one -off challenge projects to benefit local communities. More than 170 challenges will be completed this year.