A society protecting the interests and welfare of those with learning difficulties, is asking people to give generously during a street collection.

Yeovil and South Somerset Mencap Society will stage a street collection in Yeovil during National Learning Disability Week (June 16th-20th).

The street collection takes place in Yeovil town centre on Tuesday 17th. A spokesperson said: "During its existence the society has raised many thousands of pounds to provide support and welfare to improve the quality of life for people with a learning disability."

At a recent function at The Quicksilver Mail in Yeovil, for example, donations totalling more than £1,000 were presented to organisations, including The Chard 7.30 Club and Yeovil Opportunity Group.

Yeovil and South Somerset Mencap Society was founded in the mid 50s. It is a registered charity which is affiliated to the national Mencap society, and is also a member of Somerset Learning Disability Partnership Board.

New members are always welcome. Those interested should call chairman M Slade on 01460 72083. Members do not need to have a learning disability themselves.