A COMMUNITY effort to keep Ilminster’s famous festival flags flying is half way to its target.

The fundraising effort was launched during the summer by business owner Angie Blackwell and Michael Fry-Foley, chairman of the group behind the flags.

They are hoping to raise £7,000 - and have collected more than £3,500 already.

And it is Angie’s charity raffle that which has raised most of the cash so far, with more than £2,000 collected from ticket sales.

Last weekend saw Cllr Philip Burton, the mayor of Ilminster, complete the draw.

The lucky ticket was owned by Neil and Annie Roden of Ilminster, who won a hamper of goodies worth over £500.

Angie said: “There has been a wonderful response to the raffle and to the Appeal. We are now well over halfway to our target of £7,000 and it is thanks to the great support of our wonderful community that we have raised such a large sum so quickly.”

Michael Fry-Foley, chairman of Experience Ilminster, said: “A huge thanks goes to Angie and her team, for without her drive and enthusiasm the project would never have got off the ground.

“The support we have received from the shops in town, as well as individuals, has been fantastic.”

Over the next few weeks, Angie is planning a fundraising cream tea, to be delivered to your home.

To donate, visit JustGiving.com/crowdfunding/keepourflagsflying.