HILLVIEW JCC has received a £500 donation from a local business, Highbridge Caravans. 

Hillview is a juvenile carnival club based in Highbridge and Highbridge that takes part in the Somerset carnival circuit, including the iconic Bridgwater Carnival.

A spokesperson for Highbridge Caravan Centre Ltd said: "The Directors of Highbridge Caravans were thrilled to recently present a £500 donation to Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club.

"The donation will help towards the building of the cart.

"It will be the 50th anniversary for the club this year and we would like to wish the club every success for the up and coming winter carnival.

"The director’s late father John Davies also donated to the club and loved the fun atmosphere of carnival season."

Hillview JCC have received several welcome boosts from local companies and individuals to help them in their 50th anniversary year.

Julia Rosser, vice chair at Hillview JCC, said: "We are truly grateful from the support we have received recently following a worrying time. 

"The increase in building costs have hit us hard and we are determined that we can produce an entry this year befitting of our 50th anniversary despite the challenges we are facing. 

"We have recently received a cheque for £500 from Highbridge Caravans & a donation of £1,000 from Southern Counties Leisure in Berrow.

"This has come at a critical time for us & we extend our thanks to these amazing local companies. 

"We are also so lucky to be so well supported by our landlords Ben and Sophie at The Lighthouse Inn in Burnham and Sandy Glade Holiday Park in Berrow, who let us loose regularly with our fundraising antics!" 

Sharing her thoughts on the carnival, Julia said: "Sadly we are a the only remaining carnival club in the Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge area that performs in the incredible Bridgwater Carnival circuit every November. Being a juvenile club, children from eight to 16 years old form the heart of our club.

"As each child member brings their family along with them, this provides our community with a hobby that involves all ages & gives pleasure to so many.

"Carnival develops local children's skills through fundraising, teamwork, designing, painting, & performing, all while enjoying productive time with their family. Two of our families have their fourth generation now performing on our cart.

"We need to raise £18k each year to cover the cost of our entry which with costs showing no signs of reducing, without local support this would not be possible. 

"We have a crowdfunding page which so far has received £762 from our lovely local community, if you are able to help us please follow the link & donate."

You can also follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages to find out more about our fundraising events.”