AN arts society helped to fund a range of Christmas craft workshops at Swanmead Community School in December.

The funding gave students at the Ilminster school an opportunity to enjoy arts and crafts during the festive season.

It was given to the school by the Arts Society Neroche South Somerset, who were pleased to support this local initiative.

Headteacher, Mark Walker, said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £200 from Neroche South Somerset Arts Society, which has enabled us to provide an opportunity for children to enjoy arts and crafts, particularly as using creative skills has been rather minimal over the past year.”

The Arts Society Neroche South Somerset is part of an international organisation - The Arts Society - made up of 380 UK societies. They offer lectures, study days, visits and other art related events.

"We are pleased to be able to support such an initiative and especially in the challenging times which faces all forms of the arts today," added Julie Fowler, young arts representative at the society.

To find out more about the society visit www.theartssocietynerochesouthsomerset.org.uk