A WASTE firm is among those helping to ensure that the Taunton Deane Dragon Trail is a success this summer.

WasteCare, which has 12 sites around the country, including one on Galmington Tra-ding Estate in Taunton, is helping trail organisers transport the dragons to the town from where they are ‘born’ in Wales.

They are also shipping them to and from artists, and then to another local firm, CBS Services, for varnishing.

The trail is being organised by a team of volunteers led by the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Dave Durdan.

WasteCare managing dir-ector Peter Hunt said: “We try to get involved in the community wherever we are around the country and you hardly get a more community-based project.

“When I heard about the project it was natural to support it.

“We also have a connection to the trail as Dave Durdan’s son, Neil, works at our Taunton branch.

“A lot of towns are struggling to cope at the moment, and anything like this that’s a bit unusual and puts a smile on people’s faces can only help.”

Meanwhile, three completed dragons have been making public appearances in the build-up to their big release over the summer.

The Mayor’s dragon, des-igned and painted by Wivel-iscombe artist Victoria Bendall, has been following Cllr Durdan around on his official engagements, while a design by Bishop Henderson school pupil Jude Walker which was transferred to the dragon during the launch day in the orchard shopping centre on May 17 has been finished.

The Tauntonsaurus Rex dragon, decorated by members of the public using their thumbprints, is also finished with some extra artwork added by the Go Create Group.

WasteCare has about 28,000 customers and 400 staff nationwide.