The developer behind the Westminster Walk site in Kings Down has donated £3,000 to support businesses in Bridgwater.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley presented the cheque to the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce's manager, Diogo Rodrigues, following a successful application to the housebuilder's Community Champions scheme.

The non-profit organisation aids businesses in the town by hosting networking events, awards evening, expos, and workshops.

Persimmon's grant is to fund free workshops and business support to help local small business owners elevate their venture to the next level.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, which has homes available from £209,995 on the second phase of Westminster Walk in Kings Down, is a five-star developer donating £700,000 each year to good causes.

Other recent beneficiaries of the scheme include Kingsdown FC and South West Children’s Hospice.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley sales director Carly Spear, said: "Persimmon regularly works with small businesses across the Severn Valley region, so we were more than happy to select Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce as our latest Community Champions winners.

“Development does not just generate jobs on-site and through the supply chain during the construction period – it creates a secure and sustainable source of housing for workers and employers in the area that, in turn, works to the benefit of Bridgwater and towns like it.

"We look forward to seeing how the Chamber of Commerce will continue to help small businesses in Bridgwater through our donation."

Diogo Rodrigues, Manager at Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am thrilled that Persimmon were able to help us out as these funds will aim to empower entrepreneurs who often lack the financial means to invest in their own business development.

“Our goal is to elevate their businesses to the next level by fostering a supportive network where they can learn from one another and through training.

"This grant will specifically enable us to directly impact the growth of local small businesses, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

"We believe that by investing in these entrepreneurs, we not only support individual success but contribute to the overall economic and social well-being of Bridgwater."