A Christmas tree with the unusual decoration of black paper chains has been erected in Minehead to draw attention to modern-day slavery in Somerset.

The Co-op agreed that local charity Restore Hope West Somerset could display the tree as part of the awareness-raising process.

Trustee John Dickinson said: “We live in  a beautiful part of the world but unhappily slavery is also alive and well and hidden in plain sight.

“The starkly decorated tree reflects that reality which the Sparrows Project (rhws.org.uk)  is seeking to reveal.”

Anyone who wants further information or advice may contact the project at [email protected]">[email protected]”