AN X Factor-style event in Minehead saw four groups win a share of £5,000 for community safety schemes after a public vote on Monday.

Community groups delivered speeches to convince people to vote for their causes at the inaugural Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's Participatory Budgeting event held at Minehead EYE.

St Michael's First School PTA came away with half of the funding pot to go towards their swimming pool project, while Exmoor Coast Federation of primary schools, children's charity CLOWNS and Minehead EYE shared the remainder.

Minehead Fire Station watch manager and event organiser, Chris Jones, said: “It was fantastic, everyone left with a smile on their face.

“This is a brand new direction for the fire service to engage and work closely with the communities we serve. We are keen to use ground-breaking events like this to not only help us forge links, but most importantly to generate interest and networking among the groups themselves.

“The community took full involvement and it went even better than we expected.”

The event has boosted St Michael's pool fund, bringing the total to £37,300.

Tracey Sweetland, chair of the school's PTA, said: “It was brilliant and we are delighted to have received the money.

“Our children did the three-minute speech for us and had a fabulous time.

“We would like to thank the fire service for setting it all up - it was fantastic.”

CLOWNS plans to use the money it received to buy road safety equipment which can be hired out to nurseries, schools and other groups to help with educational sessions and to put on a survival workshop during the summer.

Coordinator Kathy Morton said: “It was a new concept, but it was interesting and went very well.

“We would like to thank the fire service for putting the money up - it is very forward thinking of them.”