THE owner of a recently re-opened restaurant in the countryside near Taunton has appealed to diners - 'use us or lose us'.

Jenny Tucker says Podshavers, on the outskirts of Bishops Lydeard, is "struggling" and she is doing her best to keep the business afloat.

But customer numbers are "low" and unless more people return she fears the restaurant could have to close.

In a social media post, Jenny said: "My dad has always taught me to play with a straight bat, honesty is the best communication.

"The hospitality industry is struggling, my business is struggling due to recent events out of my control.

"I’m trying my hardest to keep things ticking over, I have the most amazing team, stunning location and top class locally sourced produce but the numbers are low and without help from the Somerset community our beautiful restaurant will not survive and another restaurant will be lost."

Appealing to people to spread the message, she added: "Please help and share, share, share… we are still here, and myself and my amazing team need help to keep our dream alive."

Podshavers reopened earlier this year after temporarily closing in December and January when the joint owner left unexpectedly.