ALMOST £25,000 has been raised for the Somerset Chairman’s Charity since its launch last September – nearly half its target in just one year.

Chairman of Somerset County Council, Cllr David Fothergill, launched the cause last September, which aimed to raise £50K over four years for two charities – the National Autistic Society and Somerset Trust for Arts and Recreation (STAR).

Cllr Fothergill said: “I am both thrilled and delighted to have reached the halfway mark just one year since launching the Somerset Chairman’s Charity.

“I want to thank everyone who has participated in a charity event and given their support.”