There were smiles and laughter as residents, charities and councillors gathered to celebrate a Swindon community.

Broadgreen Community Day saw more than 200 people come together at the community centre in an event that was described by some as being all too rare.

The event on March 2 featured face painting, delicious fresh samosas, singing, and presence from local groups on how they are working to support the local area.

Imtiyaz Shaikh, Swindon Council deputy mayor, is from Broadgreen, and still has lots of connections in the area.

Swindon Advertiser: Imtiyaz Shaikh, Swindon Council Deputy Mayor

He said at the event: “I have been involved in this kind of event for many years, it is the best way to blend a community.

“These events are like feedback events for us - people come with the intention of being able to raise their concerns, and they let us get to know the local residents.

“If they volunteer then there is a lot we can achieve together, but that can only happen when they trust us.

“In the past, funding was a big issue in Swindon, which meant that we were not able to give the residents what they wanted.

“Now the best thing we can do to go forward is take these baby steps, do what we can achieve and then build on top of that.

“A lot of people do not know that this support is available from all of the organisations that are here, and I see great efforts from everyone."

He added: “This is community.”

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, the charity which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this year with a royal visit last month, was also present.

Kate Rowland, training and business development manager, said: “The event has been fantastic, it has been really, really busy which is great to see.

Swindon Advertiser: Kate Rowland, training and business development manager

"We have had loads of people come and chat to us interested in what we do and how we work and the sort of support available.

“Events like this are crucial because there are still people who do not know that we are here.

“It is about spreading the word that we are here and we are just a phone call away.”

Debbie Greenough, of Swindon Borough Council who helped organise the event, expressed hope that more events like this could be put on, making more use of the Broadgreen community centre.