A CRUCIAL campaign to raise money to pay for new much-needed additions to a Bridgwater special school has smashed through the £8,000 mark.

The Help Penrose Grow appeal is now around a fifth of the way to reaching its £45,000 target - thanks to some superb fundraising efforts from townspeople.

On Wednesday (May 10) the family of Angela Hale visited Penrose Special School to hand over a cheque from money collected at the memorial football tournament to the Bridgwater mum.

Head teacher Sue Neale said she had been astonished by the cash gift to the campaign.

"We are now up to £8,600, so the total last week has nearly doubled," she said.

"The amount they raised at the Angela Hale Memorial was really good. It was so good of them to do this for us."

The family of Angela took the opportunity Alan Hurford and Bridgwater Town FC for allowing them to put the day on at the club's grounds and all the staff who worked for the event.

"Thanks to Russell McCaul who donated £120 from a half marathon, everyone who sold raffle books, all the people who donated raffle and auction prizes from all over the UK and Ireland and all who supported the day and made it the success it was," they said.

And Asda staff were also on hand to help the school with a new garden that had received money from the supermarket chain last week and a dedicated trust.

"We have had £350 given to us by the Somerset Garden Trust," she said.

"Dewsons came down on Sunday with gravel, slabs and everything we need for the garden - all free of charge.

"I think someone from Sanders is also coming to get rid of the weeds."

Together with the profits from a quiz night, which raised £100, the campaign is really starting to get going.

It's easy to give to the Help Penrose Grow appeal. Money can 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 the school, 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.