Wells SOUP! ended in a dead heat – for the first time at this grant-giving lunch which has supported almost 90 good causes since its launch in 2016.

So the Wells Independents team running the event gave two first prizes of £350 instead of one, made possible by the generous match-funding given by Bowley's Garage of Westfield Road.

They went to Sing2breathe, a singing group for people with lung conditions and Mendip Community Credit Union which provides savings accounts, affordable loans and encourages a "saving habit" among young people.

But first on stage at the Connect Centre was Edgar Phillips who explained that the £350 he received at January's SOUP! provided uplifting Art Experience Days to someone with poor mental health and a parent who had lost a child.

Next was Tamsin Smith, the first of April's applicants, from Wells' International Music Exchange which organises WOWFest, a free Wells Orchestra Weekend for young performers and needs funding for an Ode to Beethoven free concert in Wells Cathedral on 20th July.

Then Sue Marland from Focus Counselling told how they offer affordable counselling in Wells to those who otherwise would be unable to manage the cost of ongoing sessions and said: "We are seeing 60 now but there are many more in need." 

Kate Lynch explained that Sing2breathe use techniques for breathing control and better posture through singing. They are based at the Priory Health Park but need to find another venue for their work.

Finally Kim Robinson from the Credit Union told the 85 in the audience that their young savers are aged seven-16 and they want to buy the little ones piggy banks to start their saving habit. Members put a regular amount into their savings account and get a dividend at the end of the year.

The compere Paddy O'Hagan thanked Fresh & Good for making the two tasty soups, Burns the Bread for the rolls, Morrisons for the white wine, the Bishop's Eye for the red wine and soft drinks, and Karen Young for making the beautiful flower arrangements on the tables.Ross Young, who leads the Wells Independents team, said: "And special thanks to the volunteers who make SOUP! possible."