IN an initiative to foster community links and promote local good causes, a business in Ilminster is devoting one day a month to charities in the area.

Monks Yard, a conference and function centre with a public cafe, held its first ‘MY Community’ Day last Wednesday.

The local branch of Macmillan Cancer Support was chosen as the inaugural beneficiary and half of the day’s takings were given to the charity.

Staff and volunteers sold cakes they had made in exchange for dona tions and a competition to guess the number of ‘hundreds and thousands’ on a cake was popular.

Members of Calendar Girls Somerset turned up to add their unique approach to cancer care.

Founding partner Andrew Osborne said: “When we first conceived of Monks Yard, we wanted more than just a business – we wanted to make a contribution to local society.

“We emphasised buying from local suppliers, invited a church to use the premises and have regularly helped good causes.

“This is the next development of the vision – one day a month when we invite people into our warm and friendly environment to support a local charity.”