A new Somerset social enterprise is providing support to people living in Midsomer Norton.

Somerset Face Masks was launched in May to ensure businesses, schools and charities across the county had access to affordable, reusable face masks.

Its community partnership scheme has been a big hit with well over 1,000 face masks distributed already.

Nathan Hartley, Founder of Somerset Face Masks, said: "Over the last month, many businesses and charities have struggled to get back onto their feet due to the extortionate costs of PPE equipment that large corporations are charging. The expectation to purchase such equipment has been set by the government – with little help of how organisations are going to pay for it.

As a social enterprise, we have minimal costs and so have been able to sell high quality, reusable, washable and comfortable masks for just £2.50 each."

The project has teamed up with Essence Café in Midsomer Norton High Street, a local – family run – independent coffee shop, who are now selling the organisation's face masks, along with their delicious range of hot drinks and snacks.

Café Manager, Stefka McCraw, said: "We're pleased to be working with Nathan and the team at Somerset Face Masks to ensure that local people living in the town have access to affordable, re-usable face masks.

Lots of families are really struggling financially at the moment, so this initiative to provide low-cost PPE to anyone who needs it is fantastic."

Essence Café is open Mondays to Saturdays, 9am – 5pm. Pop into their shop at Holly Court, High St, Midsomer Norton (BA3 2DB)

You can read about the cafe here : Midsomer Norton Nub News