A fundraising appeal has been launched to help a Shepton Mallet shop after it was vandalised earlier this week.

Over night between Monday and Tuesday, the window of The Hive craft shop and café on the High Street, forcing the business to close for the day on Tuesday while the window was made safe.

The Hive has a loyal customer-base in the town, and one of the regular has set up a Go Fund Me page to support owners Mike and Marie Alford and help them recoup the costs of the insurance excess and loss of earnings.

The concerned member of the community, who asked not to be named, said: "I have a heart for these small businesses. The pandemic has put a strain on them and a loss of business for a day and insurance premiums must be really crippling, and all through no fault of their own. Shepton is a lovely little town and the Hive is a very important part of our community and much-loved by all who frequent it. Marie and Mike Alford are so kind and welcoming."

To make a donation to visit the Go Fund Me page.