A 'MIDSUMMER Madness' mystery tour lived up to its name when it ground to an abrupt halt at Wheddon Cross. The evening trip on Thursday, organised by the Minehead Entertainments Committee and due to be rounded off with a meal at the Ralegh's Cross pub, was going swimmingly until mechanical failure left the 72 revellers stranded in the car park of the Rest and Be Thankful pub. A passing farmer, armed with a set of jump leads, tried without success to breathe life into the 1952 double decker. And an emergency team from Taunton-based Quantock Motors, owners of the vintage vehicle, were also unable to revive it. So rival company WebberBus stepped in to ferry the passengers - who by now had either headed for the swings in Wheddon Cross's playground or sought sustenance in the pub - to Ralegh's Cross. "It was all a bit like a Carry On film," said former Minehead Mayor and entertainments committee member Cllr Terry Venner. "The landlord of the Rest and Be Thankful was delighted to have all that extra custom. "We were only about an hour late for our meal at Ralegh's and, despite the unscheduled stop and delay, everyone had a fantastic time. "Nobody moaned at all - in fact we didn't stop laughing. "We were all very British and just made the best of it and luckily it didn't spoil our enjoyment one bit." Quantock Motors sent two buses to take the trippers back to Minehead, one an open-top tourer, which gave the passengers an ideal venue from which to watch the stars and enjoy a sing-along as they made their midnight-way home. "It was a beautiful night but we must apologise to anyone living in Washford and Roadwater if we work them up with our singing," said Cllr Venner "We'd like to thank everyone who helped us, including Quantock Motors and WebberBus - and we'll definitely be doing it again next year." Cllr Venner is pictured at the back, far right, with from the left, Mike Harris, Dennis Mallett, Tony Berry and Dave and Sue Sanders. In the front are Shelley Hercock, Sharon James and Norman Hercock. Photo: Steve Guscott.