THE Big Society is working in Burnham, where 21 volunteers have already signed up to run the town's tourist information centre.

As reported in the Weekly News, the Burnham Information and Rescue Support charity has formed to re-launch the centre in mid-April.

This week, Neville Jones, chairman of the charity, told the Weekly News: “I think you need 40 to 50 people in total to run it but it wasn't just people who wanted to sign up for one or two hours, but for a whole day at a time.

“A window cleaner even said he'd clean the windows for free!

“It gives you an idea of the good community spirit we have here. It's a good example of the big society and everyone working together.”

The centre's future looked bleak in 2009 after Sedgemoor District Council said it was no longer able to fund it - but the authority has agreed to hand it over to BIARS.

Mr Jones also confirmed BIARS has so far raised £4,900 - just £100 short of its £5,000 target to apply for charitable organisation status.

He added: “It takes a very stupid man that pushes out his chest and says we have achieved it but I think that in mid-April we will be opening up an entirely new centre.”

BIARS treasurer Tom Ashton warned the momentum needed to be maintained and more volunteers and continued financial backing would be needed to keep the centre running.