Canalside resident Will McGregor has been voted a community hero by his neighbours for welcoming new people to the development and developing a Facebook group to make people feel included.

His was one of the first families to move into the Wichelstowe development and he's the first to have been recognised for his efforts to make it a welcoming place to live.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes Bristol, said: “People are at the heart of our developments and it’s great to see residents come together to give Will the recognition he deserves. People like Will make our developments such special places to live and we’d like to thank him for all of his work."

Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, added: “Will stood out for going above and beyond for others. It has been our pleasure to show him just how grateful we are for making Canalside the exceptional new community that it is.”

Will McGregor has been described as an incredibly helpful neighbour who goes the extra mile to encourage inclusivity at the development. He’s actively engaged in the development’s Facebook group and works hard to foster neighbourly relationships at Canalside, often being the first to welcome new residents to the neighbourhood.

Swindon Borough Council Leader and Wichelstowe Joint Venture Board Member David Renard presented Will with his award which includes £250 worth of vouchers and contributions from local businesses, Waitrose and Hall and Woodhouse.

He said: “Everyone needs a neighbour like Will and it’s important to give him the recognition for all he’s done for others.”