THE Ray Collins Charitable Trust topped a trio of 'local heroes' recognised for their work in the community.

Wantage and Didcot MP David Johnston asked for people to nominate individuals or organisations during Volunteer Week, which finished on Sunday.

The trust, which supports a range of good causes in the Wantage area, received the most votes in a 'competitive' field.

It was closely followed by coronavirus support group A Helping Hand and West Challow-based Maymessy cookery school, which has been supporting the NHS in Oxford during the pandemic.

Mr Johnston has promised to invite representatives from each organisation to Parliament for lunch and a tour when lockdown restrictions are eased.

He wrote on Facebook: "Congratulations to them all for the great work they've been doing, not just in lockdown but all year round."

Mr Collins, who runs the Wantage Coronavirus Support Group, teamed up with Maymessy founder Anna Richards just last week.

Read also: Volunteers deliver thousands of snacks to hospital

The pair, helped by an army of volunteers, delivered thousands of Sainsbury's snacks to nurses at the Children's Hospital at Oxford's John Radcliffe.

Maymessy has itself provided Easter care packages to NHS staff working on the hospital's Covid-19 ward and Wantage fire service.

The organisation has also helped 75 NHS critical care staff self-isolating from their families in hotels by giving them homemade energy bars and shop-bought snacks.

Meanwhile, A Helping Hand was set up in March by Chris and Katie Hubbard to help provide supplies to those self-isolating.