AN ILMINSTER-based potato producer is feeling s-mashing after donating thousands of pounds to a children's charity.

Branston, based off Upton Lane in the town, has donated more than £4,000 to Brainwave, an organisation that cares and offers support to children suffering with brain injuries or illnesses.

The potato supplier, which has three sites across the UK, has a longstanding relationship with the charity and has supported its efforts in the region for a number of years, and now the Ilminster branch has donated the funds after a host of fundraising activities throughout the year.

Ian Wait, operations director at Branston, said the firm wanted to back a charity that made a difference to people's lives.

Mr Wait said: “Brainwave is a fantastic charity and does some amazing work in the region. It works to support children with severe disabilities – such as cerebral palsy and Down’s Syndrome – on their independence skills.

"Therapists work to improve children’s mobility, communication skills and learning potential, through a range of educational and physical therapies.

“It really does change the lives of children and their families and we’re delighted to be supporting them again this year.

“We’ve held raffles and family fun days for staff to raise funds as well digging deep into our corporate charity pot to help this worthwhile cause.

"We recently presented them with a cheque for £3,500 and our family summer BBQ this weekend raised another £515, which is fantastic.

"The whole team has got behind our efforts and it’s been extremely rewarding.

"Everyone has gone above and beyond and the final total is a testament to the excellent efforts the team has gone to.”

Paula Sudbury, Brainwave’s South West community manager, accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity and thanked the company for their efforts.

She said: “This donation will go a long way to help us to continue supporting families.

"Part of the recent Somerset donations from Branston have been allocated to cover the cost of a year’s therapy for two young boys from Bridgwater and Wincanton.

“We’ve been established for more than 30 years and currently support more than 600 children and their families through our three centres in Somerset, Essex and Warrington and with our clinics held in Scotland and London.

“The charity relies on the generous donations from supporters, like Branston, and it’s through these donations that we’re able to continue to positively impact the lives of more children and their families.”