WORK has begun on an innovative project to revive one of Porlock's heritage industries.

Volunteers trying to re-establish oyster farming in the village installed a dozen wooden poles near the harbour entrance at Porlock Weir last weekend as part of trial oyster and mussel beds.

And if successful, an industry that died out more than 80 years ago could soon be back in business.

The ambitious scheme is being led by Porlock Futures, a Porlock Parish Council sponsored group of community and business leaders, which has secured around £22,000 of funding, including a £10,000 grant from the Exmoor National Park Authority, for the one-year trial.

The shellfish will be grown on ropes strung from the poles, which should ensure they are grit and barnacle-free.

Metal trestles have also been anchored in the seabed from which will be used to hang the young oysters.

Our pictures by Maureen Harvey show a pole being put into place and the finished job.