MAN'S best friend and a dedicated team of owners have helped to raise £500 for the West Somerset Talking Newspaper.

Members of the Minehead and District Dog Demonstration Team raised the money by performing at shows and fetes throughout the year, both locally and further afield.

The team meets every week on Wednesday evenings in Washford Memorial Hall and regularly gives its time free of charge to raise money for good causes.

The Talking Newspaper, a charity which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, brings the pages of the West Somerset Free Press to life for the blind and partially sighted.

It was started by the Rotary Club of the Quantocks in 1980 and is now run by a team of 40 dedicated volunteers, based in a rented recording studio in Williton.

Membership of the Talking Newspaper is free, providing clients are referred to the charity by their medical practitioner.

Thanking members of the dog display team, Mr Hurst said: "Without support such as this we would have great difficulty operating in challenging financial times.

"As with our own dedicated volunteers, this group cheerfully gives of its time to help others and it gives me great pleasure to accept this very generous donation."

More information about the dog display team is available from Rosemary on 01643 821258, while potential clients of the talking newspaper can contact 01984 632766.