Tales of the unique community of Somerset have been unveiled in new book called Deepest Somerset - the proceeds from which will benefit three local charities.

The book, written by Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir, has an introduction by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, and has been funded by Lord Rothermere's Rothermere Foundation.

Its contributors include some famous names including Michael Eavis, Cameron Mackintosh, and Alice, Julian and Matilda Temperley.

Deepest Somerset delves into all corners of the region, into the small towns and villages where community is still the beating heart, and explores the history, the characters, the stories and diversity of this great county.

In celebration of the launch, a host of local businesses and personalities from the county came together at Glastonbury Town Hall on Thursday (September 23) to mark the occasion.

Gay said: "All three Deepest titles - Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset - raise funds for local charities and the proceeds of Deepest Somerset will be donated to Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), The Farming Community Network (FCN), and Somerset Community Foundation (SCF).

"Their work has been particularly valuable during the pandemic and we thank them for their dedication throughout such a difficult time."

Tamara Downes, fundraising manager at CHSW's Charlton Farm hospice, said: "By purchasing this book you are standing alongside more than 200 families who benefit from all that Charlton Farm can offer, including specialist palliative care, respite for the whole family, a sibling service for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care and bereavement support.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be one of three great local causes supported by its publication."

FCN has been working with farming families across Somerset since the 1990s. It provides pastoral support and practical help to anyone working in the agricultural industry.

Suzie Wilkinson, co-ordinator of the FCN, said: "We are all blessed to live in this beautiful county of Somerset so we were delighted to be involved with this well informed and inspiring book."

SCF helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy.

Kelly Hall, development manager at SCF said: "We're so delighted to have been chosen as one of the three charities to benefit from the sale of this fantastic book and our grateful thanks go to Fanny, Gay and everyone else involved in making this book a reality.

"Every single sale will make such a difference to so many people in Somerset."

To purchase a copy of Deepest Somerset, visit: www.deepestbooks.co.uk.