NINE good causes are better off thanks to Minehead Lions who presented them with cheques of up to £500 each.

The money – a total of £3,200 – was raised over the past year through the Lions’ own fundraisers including the Santa Sleigh around Minehead, raffles and by assisting at community events.

Four cheques for £500 each were presented to Minehead Scouts and Guides, the Conquest Riding Centre, Devon Air Ambulance and the Children’s Hospice South West.

Cheques for £300 went to Minehead St John Ambulance and the Friends of Young Carers.

And £200 was donated to Somerset Sight, Minehead branch of the Stroke Association, and the West Somerset Talking Newspaper.