WINNING the Commitment to the Community award ensured that building company R Moulding & Co's centenary celebrations got off to a cracking start.

The South Newton company, which has 70 staff, has demonstrated that commitment by sponsoring a host of sports clubs and charitable events and by employing local people.

Director Bob Begg said the company was one of the sponsors at last year's dinner at Wilton House in aid of Salisbury District Hospital's Stars Appeal and for many years has sponsored the South Newton football and cricket clubs.

It bought the covers for South Wilts Cricket Club, sponsors Salisbury City Football Club and a number of annual golf tournaments, and, with the support of its sub-contractors and suppliers, raised £10,600 via the Three Peaks Challenge for the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund and the Lords Taverners.

Director Bill Moulding, who accepted the award from Bill Browne, publisher of main sponsor, Salisbury Newspapers, said: "I am so proud - I cannot believe how proud I feel.

"I didn't think we had a chance, being up against the Playhouse.

"My grandfather started the business in 1908, the same year my father was born.

"My father and his brother ran it until the 1960s and then my brother, Richard and I took it over.

"We employ local staff and that has been a great focus of the directors and the family over the years."

  • Runners-up were Salisbury Playhouse and Get it 4 School.