A HERITAGE trail designed to make the history of Burnham come alive to visitors was launched in the town centre on Saturday.

A day of activities marked the opening of Capture Burnham and a new heritage trail map which has been created toencourage young and old to explore the town’s fascinating past.

It was also a chance for people to see a new website where people’s memories and old photographs will be stored. 

There was also a special launch cake which was cut to mark the occasion by town mayor Martin Cox.

There were more than 100 people who attended the launch event which delighted one of the main co-ordinators behind the project North Sedgemoor History Group Chairman John Strickland.

He said: “We were delighted with how Saturday’s event went.

“There were a lot of people who came who had real enthusiasm for the past.

“Also some of people who brought us old pictures for our archive went home and came back again with more to see if these would also be of interest which was really heartening.”

In true historic tradition, the town crier Alistair Murray heralded the new trail with the sound of his bell and a warm welcome.

Local residents and visitors were encouraged to bring their memories and treasures to the event to be captured in film, audio or photos. 

Professional photographer Richard Tomlinson took portraits of individuals and families on Saturday.

Many also bought in objects that demonstrated their connection to Burnham.

Somerset Skills and Learning marketing manager Adrian Bowen led a drawing working using the Low Lighthouse as a subject, while the team from Somerset Film organised an animation activity.

They also helped people go online to explore the website, upload their photos and leave their memories.

The project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Burnham and Highbridge Town Council. 

Mr Strickland added it was a wonderful day and wanted to thank everyone involved.

He said: “So many people have given their time to this project, from those who helped in deciding the trail content and in obtaining the necessary permissions.”