Secondary age students who can are being urged to start wearing face coverings on dedicated school transport.

It is not currently mandatory for pupils to wear coverings on home to school transport – it is left to the discretion of parents.

But wearing face coverings on public transport services – also used by pupils - is mandatory as part of the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines to help combat the spread of the virus.

“We know the risks from Covid-19 to children and young people are low but it’s very important we try minimise the spread of the disease,” said Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Education, Cllr Faye Purbrick.

“Our priority is to make school transport as safe as possible so that students feel safe to return to school. Wearing a face covering on the journey is an important part of reducing the potential spread of Covid-19 to children, drivers, school staff and family members.

“We know some children aren’t able to wear coverings but we would ask that where it is possible, that parents encourage their children to do so with immediate effect.”

Free help for family farms on Exmoor

THE Exmoor Hill Farming Network has issued members with a reminder that the Prince’s Farm Reilience Programme is returning to the area.

It offers family farms free business skills training from top agricultural consultants.

Exmoor has been chosen to host another programme, open to all members in the Exmoor and Greater Exmoor area.

Further information can be found at www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/farmresilience or contact local co-ordinator for Exmoor ares Charmain Dascombe at [email protected] or 07881 406306.