AN APPEAL to raise cash for some crucial improvements to a Bridgwater special school has received a boost from a town business.

Thanks to the staff at Toolstation the Help Penrose Grow campaign total currently stands at £8,747 and edging closer to the £45,000 needed.

Money donated to the appeal will pay for a multi-sensory and physiotherapy rooms and new disability-friendly entrance and toilets.

Toolstation contact centre operations manager Lesley Price told the Mercury how staff had contributed to the cause during a fun day last Friday.

"We do regularly do fundraising, but on this occasion it was organised by Kate Salway and Fay Heyward," she said.

"They decided on the charity and there was leg waxing, a cake sale, and a raffle that everyone made donations into.

"Everyone put 50p for coming in wearing fancy dress and from it all we raised £147."

And Asda has also been collecting money for the appeal through a series of snack sales outside the supermarket.

Spokesman Jo Furbey said: "The store manager has donated the barbecue and the food all for free so all the money is going to Penrose.

"We also went down to rotivate the garden on Saturday. A-Plant gave the equipment for free which really helped."

And 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.