A NEW book bank for the homeless opened in a telephone box in Chard last week.

Ophelia Lynch, an eight-year-old resident, wrote to the council to suggest opening the book bank as part of her Speaking Out badge (as she is part of 1st Chard Brownies).

Her letter said: "I am speaking out to you to try and get a book bank in Chard.

"The council can help by making a place for a Book Bank so homeless people can get unwanted read supplies donated by supermarkets, libraries, schools, shops and people."

The community book bank was opened in a red telephone box on the junction of Fore Street and Crowshute Road on Tuesday, July 5.

Chard & Ilminster News: Chard phone box ; Ophelia Lynch, Claire Brown [Deputy Mayor], Jason Baker [Chard Town Councillor], Natalie Larcombe [1st Chard Brownies Leader], Paul Russell [Town Clerk], Beverley Newman [Democratic Services Manager] and Tim Dickham [Events Officer]

A spokesperson for Chard Town Council said: “Chard Town Council were delighted to present Ophelia with an Outstanding Service Award for her excellent idea of turning the disused telephone box on the corner of High St and Crowshute Road into a free library for the Chard community.

"Ophelia presented her idea for her Speaking Out badge work to Councillor Jason Baker."

Paul Russel, Chard Town Clerk, added: "The town council wholeheartedly welcomes working with the community of Chard and our young people are absolutely pivotal to this.

"Bringing this whole project to fruition has been a really lovely example of team work, the key person behind the project being Ophelia.”

Chard & Ilminster News: Chard phone box ; Ophelia Lynch