Volunteer scheme marks first year

A scheme which rewards youngsters volunteering on a Somerset estate is celebrating its first anniversary.

The Dreamscheme encourages young people to earn points by taking part in community projects such as gardening and litter-picking.

They can redeem their points for free social activities such ten pin bowling or a visit to a leisure park.

The scheme - part of a national network - was adopted on the Seaward Way estate in Minehead last year.

It is run by police community support offices (PCSOs) and county council youth workers.

PCSO Luisa Skinner said: "The Dreamscheme project is really popular among young people in Minehead.

"They feel great about contributing to improving the area they live and enjoy the benefits of the rewards. Local residents are all very supportive of the scheme and one year on, it's still going from strength to strength."

During half-term week the youngsters will be taking part in a gardening project in a nearby playground and baking cakes for a senior citizens' coffee morning.

Their efforts will be rewarded with a volunteer-run Halloween party on 31 October.