A TAUNTON bank is helping a local primary school to raise much needed funds.

TSB Bank, on North Street, is supporting Lydeard St.Lawrence Primary School in their efforts to raise £20000 to greatly improve a play area for the pupils.

The bank took part in a national scheme called TSB Piggy Bank Parade, with children entering a competition to decorate a piggy bank.

Donations can be put into the piggy banks, which are on display in the branch, to help go towards the school's play area.

Bank manager, Derek Sowden, said: "I was approached by Chantelle Margenout, a year one teacher at Lydeard St.Lawrence Primary School to ask if we can help.

"We are one of the 60 TSB branches, out of 632 nationally, to be awarded the three pigs as part of a national promotion for branches to raise funds for a local cause.

"It is called the TSB Piggy Bank Parade and the three pigs have been displayed in our banking hall.

"We asked the year one children at the school to colour pictures of a pig we had given them and the winning three pictures were chosen by the team at TSB Taunton.

"The three pigs were then given to the school for the winning children to bring the colouring to life on these pigs.

"The school still needs to raise about £8000 for the play area and the generosity of customers and staff at TSB Taunton has meant we can add another £100.

"We have displayed all the coloured pictures in our banking hall.

"I know the school are still keen to raise the remaining funds."