Mendip district councillor Barry O'Leary, from Evercreech, has praised the work done by his predecessor on mental health issues.

Barry said: "It's World Mental Health Day and as someone who works with vulnerable people every day of the week, I am very aware and concerned at how many people in the district face mental health challenges.

"I'm also delighted that the district council takes seriously the importance of this public health matter.

"As a council we talked about mental health on Monday and I'm very glad that this issue unities members of all political persuasions.

"I asked the council to formally note Peter Bradshaw's, my predecessor's, efforts on this - especially dementia.

"I now look forward to the council and local communities focusing on isolation, bullying, low self-esteem and depression - these affect all generations.

"But mental health isn't for one day, it's for all year, the one thing we can all do is be kind to each other, and to remember that people of all shapes and sizes face significant challenges daily."