A SUCCESSFUL pilot project providing college pastors at West Somerset College has led to an application to provide the service to all schools in Minehead.

For the past two years, a group of 14 volunteers including college and prayer pastors, have been operating one lunchtime a week in the college.

The volunteers are members of local churches and they say they are there to listen to the students and care for them.

At a recent open evening with representatives from local councils, the police, churches and the college, support was given to enable the extension of the scheme so that it has the potential to serve the needs of all the children in the Minehead schools.

The police, town and district councillors, church leaders and the head teachers of the two primary schools in Minehead, the Middle School and College principal all signed letters of support.

When the School Pastor licence is granted, the group will be recruiting among church congregations and arranging training provided by the Ascension Trust.

This will equip them for their role and also means they can serve off school premises if needed.

If you would like more information or want to support the scheme contact Audrey Williams on 01643-708161.