Artist Hannah Norman ran a competition earlier in the year to win a pet portrait – and raised £363 for Watery Lane Pre-school in Minehead.

Hannah, whose daughter Chloe goes to the pre-school, wanted to thank Watery Lane for everything it had done for her family, putting themselves at risk during the pandemic.

Her business, Hannah Portrait Drawings, specialises in pictures of animals and pets. She decided to try and raise some funds for the school, which had lost fundraising income for about a year, by donating a 16 x 12 colour portrait (normally £140).

“It was a huge success,” said Hannah. “During the pandemic when people weren’t leaving their homes so much, they went online and purchased my tickets at £2 each.

“Thanks to the Free Press publicity and my social media following, I raised £363 for Watery Lane Preschool when they were unable to hold fundraising events.

“Also we were pleased when I drew out of the hat Cherry Coward to win it. She has just stepped down as manager of the preschool after 13 years in the position.”

At the start of the fundraiser, Hannah said: “One thing I found really concerning to see during this pandemic was my little girl suddenly feeling anxious and scared around people, anyone other than her mum, dad and brother.

“But as soon as her pre-school opened its doors again in June life was safe again for her – she had some normality and realised it was all okay.”