A PROJECT which supported people affected by last year's floods in Somerset were chosen as one of five finalists for the Prince of Wales Award at the Bath and West Show.

The Community Council for Somerset's Somerset Village Agent Project were chosen out of hundreds of applications across the South-West in recognition of the village agents work during and after the floods.

The group did not win but said they were thrilled to make it through to the finals.

Somerset Village Agent manager Jinny Uppington said: “We are thrilled to be finalists and shortlisted for such a prestigious award, gaining recognition for the teams’ hard work across the county.

"Village Agents work tirelessly to make a positive difference to people’s lives, and it is wonderful for the team to make it to the top five alone and to be acknowledged in this way. ”

Somerset Village Agents support the communities they live in, being the eyes and ears on the ground. Working with individuals and groups and responding to community need.

They supported over 470 people during the Somerset floods and the support still continues today.

The issues that were faced by the Village Agents and residents varied from financial advice, relocating families, pets, post to arranging medical appointments and most importantly emotional support to those who lost so very much.