STAFF and pupils at St Michael's First School in Minehead are inviting people to take the plunge to help raise money for a new community swimming pool.

The current school pool is close to collapse and a campaign is underway to try and replace the ageing facility with a fit-for-purpose pool for the whole community to use.

As part of the fundraising drive, the school is appealing for swimmers to jump in and take part in a sponsored swim to Wales - in the school pool.

Volunteers are needed to help staff, parents and pupils swim - or walk - a total of 3,734 lengths of the pool, the equivalent of swimming the Bristol Channel across to Wales.

Sponsor forms for the challenge are available from the school office, from Tony Pryce Sports in Minehead or by telephoning 07977 849297.

The swim is scheduled to take place during the week starting October 17.

More information is available from the school on 01643 702759.

As previously reported, members of the school's parents teachers association are hoping to win a NatWest CommunityForce grant to "drive forward" their plans.

They have applied for £6,000 to build a bigger pool in a more permanent outbuilding for everyone in the community to use.

The association is among a host of charities and community groups from across West Somerset that are keeping their fingers crossed for a windfall.

Only a handful of projects stand to win grants, with the winners decided by votes from members of the public.

The most popular project in each area stands to receive £6,000, with two runners-up being given £1,000 each.

The grants will be awarded based on the number of votes they receive via the NatWest CommunityForce website or by phoning 0800 2100 246.

In Minehead, other groups in the running for grant-aid include IT Help Con-Dem and a bid to provide a dedicated youth club in the town.

Elsewhere, applications have been made by the Exmoor Community Youth Club in Exford, the Harbour Community Bookshop in Watchet, the Bicknoller Community First Responders team, the Labrador Rescue Trust in Wick near Stogursey, Nether Stowey Recreation Ground committee, Sneaky Fox Outdoors in Wiveliscombe, Wiveliscombe Rugby Club, Fledglings PTA at Cotford St Luke Primary School and the Victoria Rooms in Milverton.