THE High Sheriff of Somerset, Maureen Whitmore, was in West Somerset last week to find out more about the work of groups supported by the charitable organisation, the Somerset Community Foundation.

She was accompanied by a number of the foundation's supporters, who were particularly keen to see for themselves how grants from the organisation helped families and young people.

During their low-key visit, they called in to family-based charity HomeStart West Somerset, where they also met representatives from children's play provider CLOWNS and the Minehead EYE youth facility.

They then travelled to the base of the accessible transport group ATWest, before taking time to see the facilities at Minehead EYE at first hand.

The Somerset Community Foundation is supported by a number of individuals, trusts and charities and, in turn, gives around 200 grants totalling more than £400,000 to Somerset-based good causes each year.

The aim of the 'below radar' visits is to enable benefactors and supporters to see how their money makes a difference to the groups which receive financial help.

Mrs Whitmore said the visit to Minehead had provided to be very informative.

"We had a most interesting day meeting very committed individuals determined to help the West Somerset community.

"The Somerset Community Foundation is very successful at helping small local charities," she said.

John Lyon was among the people who accompanied the High Sheriff around Minehead.

He said he had found the fact-finding tour both "illuminating and very positive".

He added: "The visit gave us an excellent insight, not just into the work and commitment of the groups we met, but also into how the foundation connects with such groups and the value of often quite modest funding properly applied and directed."

Justin Sargent, the chief executive of the foundation, said it was important the organisation's supporters were given the opportunity to see how grants were put to good use.

He said the visit also enabled them to better understand the pressures and issues facing local charities and community groups.