A TEENAGER from Wheddon Cross is doing her bit to help those in need this Christmas.

Hannah Thompson, 14 years old, has recorded a special CD to help the West Somerset Food Cupboard.

The kind-hearted student, who has won a number of awards for her roles in productions throughout West Somerset, was inspired to help others after hearing about the number of hungry and hard-up people in West Somerset.

Hannah’s mum, Jill, is a longtime friend of Christine Payne, the co-ordinator of the West Somerset Food Bank.

Jill said: “Hannah is very much like me and is very concerned and aware of the problems around the world and here in West Somerset.

“She was very keen to help and I think she will definitely be doing something like this again.”

Hannah’s CD, ‘A Gift For Christmas’, features 22 songs telling the story of Christmas, which were all recorded in one go.

Local people and businesses all donated their time and services for free to help make the CD.

This means the only costs that need to be covered are for the duplication of the CD and costs to the Performing Rights Society.

Retired music teacher Keith Jones accompanied Hannah on the piano while Chaz Hardiman, who works at the Regal Theatre, recorded the songs live.

Jill added: “It’s all very professional, especially the CD cover and photo; thank you so much to everyone who helped us with this for free.

“It means we can donate, hopefully, a substantial amount of money to this wonderful cause to help them throughout the next year and help those around West Somerset who need it.

“People see Christmas as a time for giving, but that need doesn’t just go away and it’s great to be able to give something back to the community.”

Andrew Priddy a Minehead photographer, took Hannah’s photo for the cover, Lisa Hardie did her hair and make-up, and First Design Print, in Porlock, created the information sheet for the CD and posters.

Hannah, a student at West Somerset Community College, would like to become a vet or doctor when she is older.

She said: "When I heard about people potentially starving over Christmas it made me feel really sad and I wanted to try and do something to help.

"No one should suffer over Christmas, its horrible to think that it is happening here in West Somerset.

"Thank you so much to everyone who offered their services for free and thank you to anyone who has purchased the CD so far, please keep buying to help support the food cupboard."

  • You can purchase Hannah’s CD for £5 at a number of shops and churches including Toucan and Stuart Lowen in Minehead and the Tantivy in Dulverton.