THE future of more than 50 jobs at a Minehead face and body paint firm has been secured after its expansion plans were given a helping hand.

Snazaroo was set up in the town 21 years ago but faced having to leave the county after outgrowing its base in Mart Road.

Now it has taken on additional premises just around the corner in the new Minehead Enterprise Park.

Somerset County Council, which owns the workspace, has customised the building to suit the company's needs by creating a mezzanine floor, installing a goods lift and carrying out internal building work to improve the layout.

Snazaroo is using the new space as its despatch and assembly depot, while the original site continues to house the paint production and warehousing teams.

General manager Adrian Ryan said the company had a terrific hard working, loyal and dedicated workforce.

"The move is vitally important to our survival and with all the assistance from the council and the building work they have provided, we have been able to keep the world's favourite face and body paint where it belongs - in Minehead."

Cllr Brenda Maitland-Walker, who represents Minehead on the county council, said Snazaroo created jobs for local people.

"The move means it is able to take on eight new staff and as work increases they hope many more jobs will be created."

Cllr Maitland-Walker said it was "fantastic" that the county council had been able to support the home grown firm, which had shown its appreciation by committing to a longer lease of the premises than was required.

Pictured from the left at the opening of the new premises are Adrian Ryan, his deputy Jane Grier and Cllr Terry Napper from Somerset County Council.