A MONEY-spinning scheme to boost the funds of Porlock Visitor Centre has received a helping hand from local craftsmen.

Villagers Chris and Roger Miles came up with the idea of selling secondhand books to generate income for the visitor centre three years ago.

The idea has proved successful and has raised around £1,200 a year to help keep the centre in business.

However, the borrowed dining table used to display the books outside has proved to be not quite up to the job.

So local resident and parish councillor David Hancock has designed a purpose-made two-tier fixed table to complete the style of an adjoining forged ironwork seat.

The metal frames were made at nearby Allerford Forge by apprentice Billy Hunter under the guidance of Tom Leader.

Minehead-based builders merchants Jewsons donated the timber tops and the end result is a substantial permanent display unit.

Pictured with the new book unit are, from the left, visitor centre assistant Jenny Carter, Cllr David Hancock and Kyle Roberts and Billy Hunter from Allerford Forge.

Photo: Steve Guscott