Positive News

The Taunton Prep School pupils have raised more than £7,250 so far, with donations still coming in

Taunton Prep School pupils complete relay swim across English Channel

Jenkins, who described Emma Raducanu as her tennis idol, was thrilled to attend Wimbledon

Jenkins, who described Emma Raducanu as her tennis idol, was thrilled to attend Wimbledon

Taunton teenager has 'unforgettable' opportunity to play at Wimbledon

Noah Morgan, from Rich's Holford near Taunton, travelled to Spain to represent Team England in the Dance World Cup

Noah Morgan, from Rich's Holford near Taunton, travelled to Spain to represent Team England in the Dance World Cup

13-year-old Somerset dancer wins three silver medals at world competition

Tim Blackburn will ride across the South West in August to raise £2,040 for Kidney Research UK

Tim Blackburn will ride across the South West in August to raise £2,040 for Kidney Research UK

Somerset kidney patient to cycle 200 miles across South West

The Annual Achievement Awards, held last month, recognised the efforts of children and young people through nominations from social workers, foster carers, schools, and other professionals

The Annual Achievement Awards, held last month, recognised the efforts of children and young people through nominations from social workers, foster carers, schools, and other professionals

More than 430 Somerset children and care leavers celebrate achievements

Progress Gym's Rob Harris and Chief Petty Officer Adam Hugill endured a 14-hour walk from Watchet Harbour to Seaton last month

Progress Gym's Rob Harris and Chief Petty Officer Adam Hugill endured a 14-hour walk from Watchet Harbour to Seaton last month

Yeovil gym walkers raise thousands for Somerset charity

Annie Maw, a former lord-lieutenant of Somerset, will travel 30 miles by wheelchair from Bath Abbey to Wells Cathedral as part of a fundraising challenge taking place on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14

Annie Maw, a former lord-lieutenant of Somerset, will travel 30 miles by wheelchair from Bath Abbey to Wells Cathedral as part of a fundraising challenge taking place on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14

Former Somerset lord-lieutenant to lead 30 mile charity walk

Twenty-four students from Aurora Foxes Hospitality and Catering College, which supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities, graduated at a ceremony held at Butlin’s Minehead Resort

Twenty-four students from Aurora Foxes Hospitality and Catering College, which supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities, graduated at a ceremony held at Butlin’s Minehead Resort

Minehead hospitality students celebrate graduation at Butlin's resort

The competition ceremony was held in London on Sunday, July 27, where she was awarded first place by TV personality Jamie Laing

The competition ceremony was held in London on Sunday, July 27, where she was awarded first place by TV personality Jamie Laing

Young hairstylist based in Taunton wins UK hair colour competition

Stuart got to drive the Flying Scotsman on its previous visit to the West Somerset Railway in 2017, and was offered numerous chances to drive it this year

Stuart got to drive the Flying Scotsman on its previous visit to the West Somerset Railway in 2017, and was offered numerous chances to drive it this year

Minehead man realises childhood dream by driving iconic locomotive

The team of South Somerset hikers, led by Setsquare Recruitment's Harvey Morris, completed the gruelling trek, which was over 24 miles, earlier this month in less than 12 hours

The team of South Somerset hikers, led by Setsquare Recruitment's Harvey Morris, completed the gruelling trek, which was over 24 miles, earlier this month in less than 12 hours

Bannau Brycheiniog

Somerset walkers raise thousands for mental health charity

Rumwell Farm Shop Manager, Lucy White with Blackdown Healthy Living & Activity Centre volunteer, Loraine Beckett collecting the latest batch of items for the Centre’s Community Fridge

Rumwell Farm Shop Manager, Lucy White with Blackdown Healthy Living & Activity Centre volunteer, Loraine Beckett collecting the latest batch of items for the Centre’s Community Fridge

Rumwell Farm Shop donating surplus stock to community fridge

Fifteen-year-old Ginevra captivated the audience with her renditions of songs by Handel, Schumann, Fauré, and Puccini

Fifteen-year-old Ginevra captivated the audience with her renditions of songs by Handel, Schumann, Fauré, and Puccini

Cultural Events

Minehead music festival kicks off with performances by young musicians

Over the past 30 years, Mr Whittingham has transformed the way pilots are trained through improved accessibility, quality and effectiveness in theoretical instruction

Over the past 30 years, Mr Whittingham has transformed the way pilots are trained through improved accessibility, quality and effectiveness in theoretical instruction

North Somerset man receives one of highest honours in British aerospace

The fundraising cycle challenge began at the top of Scotland on Tuesday, July 8

The fundraising cycle challenge began at the top of Scotland on Tuesday, July 8

Taunton pupil to take on 1,000 mile cycling challenge with dad

Potter House's campaign shares the personal stories and motivations of team members to highlight the dedication that underpins their work

Potter House's campaign shares the personal stories and motivations of team members to highlight the dedication that underpins their work

Yeovil care home launches Good Care Month storytelling campaign

Residents at St Cecilia enjoyed Bluey's visit, feeding him apples and carrots and stroking his coat

Residents at St Cecilia enjoyed Bluey's visit, feeding him apples and carrots and stroking his coat

Horse brings joy to Shepton Mallet care home residents

Wells-based Promise Works Limited, along with Burnham-on-Sea based Burnham BMX Club, have both been awarded £1,000

Wells-based Promise Works Limited, along with Burnham-on-Sea based Burnham BMX Club, have both been awarded £1,000

Wells charity given four-figure financial boost by Movement for Good Awards

Members of Glastonbury and Street Lions Club CIO with Kristie Mynott, Community Champion at Tesco in Glastonbury

Members of Glastonbury and Street Lions Club CIO with Kristie Mynott, Community Champion at Tesco in Glastonbury

Donation made to Lions club thanks to Glastonbury Tesco shoppers

Green Focus column: Advancements are being made to help save the planet

The highest marks achieved by students at Taunton School were 41 out of a possible 45, with three students reaching this level

The highest marks achieved by students at Taunton School were 41 out of a possible 45, with three students reaching this level

Taunton School students celebrate International Baccalaureate results

This year’s run at their operational base, Henstridge Airfield, was of extra importance, as the DSAA celebrated a quarter-century of providing critical care to Dorset and Somerset residents

This year’s run at their operational base, Henstridge Airfield, was of extra importance, as the DSAA celebrated a quarter-century of providing critical care to Dorset and Somerset residents

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance hold fourth annual 5K twilight run

Priorswood Primary School was selected in the Lawn Tennis Association’s schools ballot, with outdoor education lead Jake Ripley and staff member Emily Griffin accompanying the students to the tournament

Priorswood Primary School was selected in the Lawn Tennis Association’s schools ballot, with outdoor education lead Jake Ripley and staff member Emily Griffin accompanying the students to the tournament

Lawn Tennis Association

Taunton pupils enjoy day at Wimbledon after winning tickets in ballot

A baby beaver was born in Somerset this month.

A baby beaver was born in Somerset this month.

Baby beaver born at Somerset nature reserve captured on video

School bands Slowburne, The Clovers, Paper Jam, Sugar Rush, Impact, The TC, Paradox, Spiked Sound, and the CFS Chorus each took to the stage during the evening

School bands Slowburne, The Clovers, Paper Jam, Sugar Rush, Impact, The TC, Paradox, Spiked Sound, and the CFS Chorus each took to the stage during the evening

Wellington school hosts first ever festival with live music and food

Residents at the care home regularly look forward to visits from the students, where they take part in arts and crafts activities or reading with the children and are entertained by the primary school’s choir or performing arts group

Residents at the care home regularly look forward to visits from the students, where they take part in arts and crafts activities or reading with the children and are entertained by the primary school’s choir or performing arts group

Pupils' link with Taunton care home inspires competition-winning speech

Council members Lorna Muffett, Becky Kingston-Wood (pictured) and Claire Commons were on hand to help assist in the wrapping

Council members Lorna Muffett, Becky Kingston-Wood (pictured) and Claire Commons were on hand to help assist in the wrapping

Giant scarf wrapped around Shepton Mallet landmark for charity awareness

The public was invited to make a bid on a gift package which consisted of two tickets to Simply Red’s sell-out concert in Vienna on Wednesday, November 5, along with £200 spending money

The public was invited to make a bid on a gift package which consisted of two tickets to Simply Red’s sell-out concert in Vienna on Wednesday, November 5, along with £200 spending money

Donated Simply Red tickets raise funds for Yeovil dementia care home

After inviting fans to submit their suggestions to name the car via social media, a panel of judges selected Ian Taylor’s entry, in tribute to Somerset bowler Craig Overton

After inviting fans to submit their suggestions to name the car via social media, a panel of judges selected Ian Taylor’s entry, in tribute to Somerset bowler Craig Overton

Somerset fan wins unique experience for naming RC Range Rover

Sean covered 89 miles to raise £1,370 for Mind in Somerset and The South West Heritage Trust - almost double his target

Sean covered 89 miles to raise £1,370 for Mind in Somerset and The South West Heritage Trust - almost double his target

Museum of Somerset manager completes 89-mile Hadrian's Wall trek

Imogen Rossiter-Slade, the 18-year-old head of new product development, said:

Imogen Rossiter-Slade, the 18-year-old head of new product development, said:

Chocolate factory quietly opens in the heart of Wellington

Letter: The kindness of strangers

The nursery children competed in traditional games such as egg-and-spoon races, beanbag balancing, and tunnel challenges, all under the encouraging eyes of the home's residents

The nursery children competed in traditional games such as egg-and-spoon races, beanbag balancing, and tunnel challenges, all under the encouraging eyes of the home's residents

Wells nursery children hold annual sports day at care home

North Town Primary School sealed the championship with victory over St Mary’s in the final

North Town Primary School sealed the championship with victory over St Mary’s in the final

Pupils from North Town Primary School crowned county cricket champions

Elena and Lucie achieved a gold certificate in the 2025 Biology Challenge by scoring higher than 90 per cent

Elena and Lucie achieved a gold certificate in the 2025 Biology Challenge by scoring higher than 90 per cent

Taunton School students earn top honours in national biology competition

Weare Academy headteacher Mrs Dover cut the ribbon to open the playground

Weare Academy headteacher Mrs Dover cut the ribbon to open the playground

Nationwide Building Society

New playground with Nationwide funding opens at Weare Academy

The 15,000 foot jump was not out of the ordinary for Brian, who had completed three jumps prior to this

The 15,000 foot jump was not out of the ordinary for Brian, who had completed three jumps prior to this

Alzheimer's Society

Wellington pensioner completes 15,000 foot skydive for Alzheimer's Society

Mr Khan described fundraising for the British Heart Foundation as a cause

Mr Khan described fundraising for the British Heart Foundation as a cause

British Heart Foundation

Taunton teacher completes charity bike ride in memory of late uncle

A new tanning salon has opened in Taunton.

A new tanning salon has opened in Taunton.

New tanning studio opens on Taunton's Bridge Street

Empty shops in Taunton.

Empty shops in Taunton.

'In Taunton, our tenants are very resilient': Businesses fight 'high street crisis'

The couple rode from Clapham Common to Brighton in memory of their friend Sarah, who died of a heart attack last May

The couple rode from Clapham Common to Brighton in memory of their friend Sarah, who died of a heart attack last May

British Heart Foundation

Wells couple complete London to Brighton bike ride for late friend

Natasha of Coastal Canines with dog treats.

Natasha of Coastal Canines with dog treats.

Sidmouth business owner helps dogs stay cool in the heat

One of the lucky ducklings

One of the lucky ducklings

Mother duck's two-hour rescue mission in Exmouth ends in joyful reunion

Athletes will make use of the available facilities at Queen's College, including the grass middle wicket

Athletes will make use of the available facilities at Queen's College, including the grass middle wicket

School in Taunton to become South West hub for fast bowling programme

The purchased site will form part of the Hicks Park Wood project in Selwood Forest

The purchased site will form part of the Hicks Park Wood project in Selwood Forest

133-acre Somerset woodland purchased to fund rewilding project

A Somerset business praised as one of the 'oldest and most cherished' has been saved.

A Somerset business praised as one of the 'oldest and most cherished' has been saved.

100+ year old Somerset business saved from closure

Four generations of the Coumis family will help coordinate the Fitzhead Fete and Flower Show later this month

Four generations of the Coumis family will help coordinate the Fitzhead Fete and Flower Show later this month

Four generations of family to bring Somerset village fete to life

The golf day raised enough money to fund 14 missions for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

The golf day raised enough money to fund 14 missions for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport charity golf tournament raises over £32,000

The concert took place at the Minster in Taunton on Saturday, June 14

The concert took place at the Minster in Taunton on Saturday, June 14

Cancer research UK

Taunton choir concert raises more than £1,000 for cancer research

St Paul’s Church of England VC Junior School will work with Dobbies Garden Centre in Shepton Mallet to improve its outdoor space

St Paul’s Church of England VC Junior School will work with Dobbies Garden Centre in Shepton Mallet to improve its outdoor space

School to transform garden with help of Shepton Mallet garden centre

Several teams from across Somerset's community groups competed in the tournament

Several teams from across Somerset's community groups competed in the tournament

Hundreds gather for diverse Taunton volleyball tournament

Derelict car park transformed into new parking space.

Derelict car park transformed into new parking space.

Dangerous, derelict Chard car park completely transformed

The conference provided a platform for discussions around developing resilience, the double jeopardy of masculinity and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the flexibility needed in engaging boys and men within the system and healthcare structures

The conference provided a platform for discussions around developing resilience, the double jeopardy of masculinity and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the flexibility needed in engaging boys and men within the system and healthcare structures

Conference on men's health and resilience held at Haynes Motor Museum

Andrew Maxwell presented the photo of his great-grandfather to former Somerset captain Brian Rose, his hero

Andrew Maxwell presented the photo of his great-grandfather to former Somerset captain Brian Rose, his hero

Family of 20th-century Somerset CCC player present photograph to museum