THE Somerset County Gazette's 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign has been given a boost thanks to generous fundraisers.

The drug and health education campaign, which took to the road earlier this month, has received welcome cash from customers and staff at a Taunton building society.

Now the total for the campaign, which has put a mobile classroom on the road to teach primary school youngsters about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, stands at £113,417.

money was raised through the Skipton Building Society in Cheapside after staff put a penny jar on the counter.

This week the proud staff handed over a cheque for £110 to Life Education Centres Somerset, which is running the 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign in conjunction with the County Gazette.

The fundraising by the building society marks the end of a year's support for the 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign, which has seen staff raise money through a variety of events, such as coffee mornings. Denise Lloyd, a customer adviser with the society, said: "We'd like to thank both customers and non-customers for their generosity in helping our fundraising efforts.

"For 2004 we'll select a new local charity to support."

The 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign will help thousands of youngsters at schools in an area covering Taunton, Wellington, Wiveliscombe, Minehead and Bridgwater.

Though the project is now up and running fundraising continues towards the £120,000 scheme. So far thousands of pounds have been raised and pledged, and the County Gazette is urging readers to back the scheme by making donations or organising fundraising schemes to reach the target figure.

The County Gazette, as part of its 'Stop It Before It Starts' campaign, will keep readers up to date with the appeal and feature supporters' efforts.

If you're organising a fundraising event in aid of the appeal, such as a coffee morning, a sponsored event or a fun session, let us know by contacting the newsroom on 01823-365100. Alternatively, you can e-mail newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk

DONATIONS can be sent to: 'Stop It Before It Starts', Somerset County Gazette, 44 St James Street, Taunton TA1 1JR; or David Baker, Life Education Centres Somerset, 12 Harp Chase, Taunton TA1 3RY. Cheques should be made payable to 'Somerset Life Education Centres'.