MINEHEAD Middle School has a staggering new sculpture at the front of the school.

Carved by internationally-renowned chainsaw artist and former pupil Matthew Crabb over the course of the summer, the new sculpture of the stag has been commissioned to celebrate the launch of the West Somerset Academies Trust.

The new stag stands at over 10 feet tall and headteacher Paul Rushforth said it was a fantastic addition to the front of the school.

"It is an outstanding piece of work and really welcomes pupils, Matthew has done a phenomenal job," Mr Rushforth said.

"It really enhances the look of the front of the school, when our students arrive at the school they feel privileged to come here."

Artist Matthew Crabb, a former English Chainsaw Carving Champion took on the work at his former stomping ground at a reduced rate.

The West Somerset Academies Trust was formed in January this year and currently features six schools located in Minehead, Williton and Watchet.

The Trust works with children from 3 to 13 years of age and is associated with the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Mr Rushforth said he was pleased with progress at Minehead Middle.

"We have come back after the summer break and all is looking good," he said.

"The children in Key Stage 2 at Minehead Middle School, made more progress than any other school in the county by a country mile.

"The scores outperformed primary schools up and down the country and is a cause for celebration.

Mr Rushforth put the school's results down to a dogged approach to standard and hard work from teachers, children and parents.

"We have a rigorous approach to homework and our outcomes are really strong," he said.