Crowcombe and Stogumber schools’ PTA has run a pumpkins competition to get its fundraising towards a new minibus back on track after several events had to be cancelled.

The current minibus is in desperate need of replacing, and so far nearly £17,000 has been raised towards a new one.

Planned events, such as a school disco and summer fete and dog show had to be cancelled, so the pumpkin competition was a way to kick-start the fundraising again.

Paul Kenny, incoming chairman of the PTA, said: “The minibus is used daily to transfer children between the two schools. Not all parents have access to a car, making the minibus crucial, plus the minibus reduces the amount of traffic travelling between the two villages, thus improving the environmental and social impact.

“The minibus is also used to transport children to ad hoc events and for after-school activities including field trips, swimming lessons, sports events and museum visits.

“We believe that engaging children in new or arts or sports-based activities will have a positive impact on their resilience and well-being, including building confidence and their ability to form positive relationships.”

The funds raised so far have been through events such as the school summer fete and dog show, and children using entrepreneurial skills to ‘grow £5’.

There have also been donations from parents, and grants, and donations from the local community and charitable foundations, including the Crowcombe Shop, Crowcombe Players, Norman Family Charitable Foundation and Nineveh Trust.