MINEHEAD Town Council wants a “fun green name” for their first fully electric vehicle – and is looking to the town’s youngsters to provide it.

After agreeing to buy the state-of-the-art mini-truck at their meeting on Tuesday, councillors were told that the authority was the first in West Somerset – and possibly in the county – to have an electric vehicle, and agreed that the town’s youngsters should be involved in “this little bit of history” by choosing a name.

Announcing on the council’s Facebook page a competition for under 16-year-olds who live in Minehead or Alcombe, Cllr Toni Bloomfield said: “We are committed to making our town as green as possible and this is a great opportunity to involve younger members of the community.”

Acting town clerk Brian Howe said the vehicle had been on trial for several weeks and was found to be highly efficient, cheap to run and popular with council workers. He said that it was a reconditioned demonstration model, “and at around about half price it would seem to be a real bargain”.

Cllr Bloomfield said that entries (maximum of two per child) should be in by Wednesday July 15. Winners, to be picked two days later, will receive gift vouchers and the first prize winner will have his or her name painted on the vehicle.

Contestants should message their entries, include name, age and names of parents and contact details, to the Minehead Town Council Facebook page or email them to [email protected].