After securing funding of £47,000 from West Somerset Council the childrens' play charity CLOWNS was able to purchase a new double decker bus to replace the old Playbus.

CLOWNS, which stands for Creating Learning Opportunities in Western Somerset, was then able to access match funding of £43,000 from the Rural Renaissance Partnership towards the cost of refitting the bus to CLOWNS specifications.

 The blue double-decker provides learning facilities and support to children and families in eight rural villages in West Somerset, and also visits 24 towns and villages across the area.

CLOWNS had previously tried to secure lottery funding but its request had been declined.

Jan Ross, Chair of the CLOWNS trustees said: "We're delighted by the council's funding, and by the high praise they gave our service. "We'd also like to send our heartfelt thanks to the public who raised over £37,000 towards the new bus."

Cllr Eddie May, responsible for youth and community, said: "All councillors spoke in favour of this grant because of the excellent service CLOWNS provides to children and young families in rural communities. "If it wasn't for CLOWNS, these families might find themselves isolated and unable to access a service which, I feel, is essential to their education and well-being."

The Play bus visits seven different villages each week, providing sessions in 2007-2008 at Timberscombe, Wheddon Cross,  Carhampton, Dunster, Roadwater / Washford, with a total of 272 sessions for 2007-2008, with attendances of 1497 adults and 1944 children.

It provides affordable, quality, recreational and educational opportunities for families in rural, isolated areas. It offers weekly themed activities with aims that meet the government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ framework and also the outcomes from the Early Years Foundation Stage goals.

The CLOWNS staff team said about their work:

“We carry information on the bus about other services which can support families.

We work in partnership with other agencies and organisations which require rural community access, to maximise the impact of their visits

We try to ensure that we provide accessible and inclusive provision for all.

We monitor and evaluate the sessions on a regular basis.”

West Somerset Council was the first partner organisation to join the CLOWNS team on the new bus, offering advice to families on benefits.

" This has provided an excellent service for many of my difficult to engage and  vulnerable families, or families with complex needs”. Health Visitor.

Here is what some of the parents who use the bus have to say:

"I would be lost without the bus. The rural communities NEED this service- its my only contact with other mothers and children"

"This is a vital service to our very rural area. I have been using this Playbus and services for 16 years and do not want to lose it. It is a great way for us as parents to get out and socialise with other adults."

"The bus is a brilliant place for children and  parents- carers. I have been going for over 14 years and sometimes go without a child, the staff are always friendly and helpful and interact well with the children. The children love the fact that it is different i.e. going up & down stairs, being higher than everyone when upstairs, looking out the window."

" I think the CLOWNS bus is a much needed resource and provides valuable support to families in rural communities."