RAINBOW Rooms has presented inaugural awards as part of its drive to promote understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT).

The Salisbury-based charity plans to give out equality and diversity awards each year to individuals, organisations and businesses that offer a welcoming and safe environment to all, regardless of their sexuality.

This week founder Will Clark handed over an award at the Tesco Metro store in Castle Street, after members of the LGBT community in Wiltshire nominated the store and its staff.

He also presented an award to youth worker Billy Vernon for his support of young people through the charity.

Mr Clark said: “Billy works extremely hard and the youth group members came to me and said they wanted to give him this award.

“And Tesco got the highest number of nominations as a place where people say they feel safe. It is somewhere they can go where they are not treated any differently and where staff members are friendly.”

Tesco store manager John Gibney said: “We are really pleased to have won this award.

We always want our customers to enjoy shopping in our store and aim to provide excellent customer service, so it’s great to hear that the community feels we’re doing a good job.”