COMMUNITY groups and emergency services shared a platform at West Somerset's second event to celebrate public and volunteer-led work in the district. Minehead community beat manager PC Charlie Fitzpatrick organised the first community services day last year, which was held during term-time and was attended by around 1,000 schoolchildren. But organisers decided on a change of date for the 2005 event in a bid to attract a better cross-section of age groups. "The groups who staged displays were delighted to be able to meet up and overall it was certainly worth doing," said PC Fitzpatrick. "The only disappointment was the lack of people." Fewer than 300 people went along to the Minehead Rugby Club venue in Minehead but those who did enjoyed themselves and were full of praise for the efforts of the organisations and agencies involved. But PC Fitzpatrick is already looking at ways of improving the day next year, with a possible change of venue, the introduction of trade stands and closer working links with Somerset Fire Brigade, which has agreed to have a greater involvement in the organisation of future events. Organisers have had discussions about likely sponsorship and would be looking to raise a budget of around £6,000 to stage the 2006 day. "It's very important that we keep the community side because many organisations cannot afford to have displays at some of West Somerset's big annual shows," said PC Fitzpatrick." "But it would be good to get more involvement from the business community as well." At least 50 groups and agencies were involved in this year's event, ranging from the police and fire brigade to the West Country Ambulance Service, RNLI, Exmoor Search and Rescue and the RSPCA. Photos: Steve Guscott