A PROGRAMME of summer activities for the children of Minehead Middle School has been developed in a partnership with the town council.

The school and council have collaborated on the programme following last summer’s tragic coach crash in which one pupil died and dozens of others were injured.

The activities are aimed at providing positive experiences and opportunities for children who were impacted by the tragedy.

Through a range of enjoyable and accessible activities, the initiative aims to help children create happy memories, strengthen friendships, and enjoy their summer holidays as part of a supportive community.

The activities are being funded through a health and wellbeing fund grant secured by the town council from the Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC), helping to ensure that local young people can access a range of positive experiences during the summer holiday period.

Also supporting the initiative are a number of local organisations, including Butlin’s Minehead holiday resort and Minehead Eye, whose partnership has helped make the programme possible.

Headteacher Laura Mackie said: “We are incredibly pleased to be working alongside Minehead Town Council, Butlin’s Minehead, and the Minehead Eye to provide these opportunities for our children.

“Following the tragic events of last summer, it is important that we continue to support our young people by creating positive experiences and lasting memories.

“We are extremely grateful to our partners for their generosity and commitment to our community.

“These activities will give children the chance to have fun, spend time with friends, and enjoy a positive summer experience, and we know they will be greatly appreciated by families.”

Ms Mackie thanked all the organisations involved for their support in helping to deliver a summer programme which puts the wellbeing and enjoyment of local children at its heart.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer said: “The wellbeing of our young people is incredibly important to us, and we are delighted that funding secured through the SALC health and wellbeing fund has enabled the town council to support this programme.

“By working closely with Minehead Middle School and our community partners, we hope these activities will provide children with opportunities to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a positive and memorable summer.

“This is a wonderful example of local organisations coming together to support the next generation.

“This fantastic initiative highlights the strength of our local community and provides all our young people with exciting opportunities to enjoy and engage with local businesses.

“A huge thank you to our partners for their generosity and support.”

Cllr Palmer said he hoped by working together it would ensure that as many children as possible can access engaging activities and experiences during the summer break, regardless of circumstance.

Minehead Eye is offering three free sessions for middle school pupils, while youngsters can also have a free entry to Butlin’s during the holidays.

The cause of last year’s coach crash remains unknown as an Avon and Somerset Police investigation has dragged on into a second year with no information being made public.