TODAY the Bridgwater Mercury launches a vital campaign to help one of the town's most deserving facilities.

Penrose Special School caters for youngsters from the ages of two to 19 who have severe and profound multiple learning difficulties.

Staff at the Albert Street premises give the children there the best start in life they can, but crucial improvements are needed at the centre to deal with increasing numbers.

A new multi-sensory room, physiotherapy area, disability-friendly entrance and toilet will cost over £100,000 and Penrose desperately needs your help to pay for it.

The school has teamed up with the Mercury to launch the Help Penrose Grow campaign - an appeal to raise the cash needed to fund the essential project.

Head teacher Sue Neale explained why it was so important town people reached into their pockets to help.

"These additions are needed because the numbers at the school have increased and their complex needs have increased too," she said.

"We have simply run out of space to do everything in and the number of youngsters at the school is going to go up again in September.

"Everybody did really well when we raised money for our minibus. We want the people of Bridgwater to show how generous they are again. Any donations, no matter how small, will go to the fund."

The idea for the add-ons came from the school governors and the head teacher and is part of an ongoing drive to make the facilities even better.

"We have got £5,000 given to use just on the entrance and we will use our Government grant which this year is £25,000 and we will probably borrow next year's to go towards it," Sue said.

"So the other £45,000 we will have to find elsewhere. The Local Education Authority isn't putting up any money for it.

"I don't think it was expecting the special school to need to increase again."

So, whether you have only got change from the shopping or want to give a bigger donation, everything given to the campaign will be used only for the building.

It's easy for people to play their part in the appeal. Money should be sent direct to Help Penrose Grow, Penrose School, Albert Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 7ET. If you want to pay by cheque simply send it to the same address, made payable to Penrose School PTFA.

But if you would rather organise a fundraising event or carry out a sponsored stunt in aid of Penrose, make sure the Mercury knows about it so we can give you the publicity you deserve.

Ring the newsroom on 01278-727959, e-mail on newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk, or drop us a line at Royal Clarence House, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AT.