THE Plimsoll line took on a whole new meaning for pupils and staff at St Dubricius' First School in Porlock on Wednesday when supported the national RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) SOS Day.

As well as lines, the youngsters were able to add squiggles, dots, stars and any other design they wanted to their plimsolls, in return for a donation to the RNLI.

The children were able to wear their ship-shape creations all afternoon and a prize was given for the best decorated daps in each class.

Class teacher and organiser Sue Flatley said: "As well as arty fun and games, we also had a special assembly which included a talk from an RNLI representative so that the children were really able to understand the background to SOS Day."

Headteacher Chris Blazey said the fundraising event helped to both raise money for a good cause and awareness of the work of the lifeboat charity.

"We are so very fortunate to live near some of the country's most magnificent coastline, but this also means that our children need to be warned of the potential dangers of the sea.

"The SOS Day provided an opportunity to reinforce a safety message as well as raise funds for a charity that the school has supported for many years," Mr Blazey said.

The national SOS Day is today (Friday) and there will be a fundraising sale tomorrow at Minehead's Avenue Methodist Church Hall from 10am to 12 noon.