THE fourth edition of Minehead's shoppers' guide has been published and organisers are now working on a new venture - an eating out guide for the whole of West Somerset. The shoppers' guide features watercolour paintings of 52 of Minehead's shops and attractions, a town centre map, tourist information and an events calendar. Now Minehead and West Somerset Chamber of Commerce is hoping to extend its successful guides series - which already includes an accommodation booklet - to include a publication promoting not just Minehead but West Somerset's eating establishments. Graham Sizer, the chairman of the chamber of trade and brainchild behind the original shoppers' guide, said he hoped businesses would support the latest venture. He said a number of Minehead cafes and pubs had been included in the shoppers' guide over the years and had asked about the possibility of having their own publication. "We thought we would give it a go and are hopeful of securing a small amount of Somerset County Council funding which is available to help increase demand for local produce," said Mr Sizer. "On the whole we will be supporting the growing number of pubs and restaurants that proudly state they support local produce on their menus." He said it was vital local businesses made sure they did as much as possible to promote themselves to visitors, and the chamber was aiming to distribute thousands of copies of the finished guide far and wide. "Some 25,000 copies will be produced each year, rising to 40,000 if necessary," he said. "Businesses wanting to be included will get a painted illustration of their premises or its interior plus a 40 to 50 word description of what they can offer and their location on a central map." The chamber of trade is a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting local businesses and promoting the area. A single inclusion in the eating out guide will cost £150, with two years costing £300. "Any excess income from the publication will be put back in to help run Minehead Information Centre - the chamber also has no paid staff," Mr Sizer said. "The chamber already has support from Butlins, Tesco, Morrison's and the West Somerset Railway, who all have our unique tailor-made dispensers in high profile positions to display our guides. "Having been a West Somerset businessman for 44 years I know the importance of small independent businesses keeping their names in the forefront of people's minds." Mr Sizer said he was hoping to stage a display of illustrations from previous guides in the former Clarks shoe shop in The Parade, Minehead. The exhibition will also be used to promote the chamber's shop local loyalty card. Copies of the shoppers' guide can be found in various outlets around the area, while more information about the new eating out guide is available from Mr Sizer by telephoning 01643 707623 or emailing [email protected]">[email protected]. uk.