Wells SOUP has helped an initiative that will boost tourism – the city's main industry – and attract national attention.

This quarterly fund-raising lunch has given money to 51 local good causes so far. One was Wells in Mosaic, a project to build a six-metre diameter mosaic on the city's Recreation Ground.

It will create a new visitor attraction and act as a tourist guide as the design will replicate the street pattern of medieval Wells and tell visitors what the city has to offer. The streets will be big enough for children to walk along.

"We are so grateful to Wells SOUP," said Ruth Ames-White, the Wells artist who will make the mosaic.

"The money raised at their April event has allowed us to buy our first consignment of 940 tiles, each of which I will cut into four pieces.

"The design is essentially finished and I will start creating the mosaic now."

The mosaic will cost £80,000 and £18,000 has been raised or pledged so far.

To donate you can go to the website www.wellsinmosaic.org or send a cheque made out to Wells in Mosaic to Wells in Mosaic, C/o The Square, Priory Road, Wells BA5 1SY.

The next Wells SOUP will be at 1pm in the Connect Centre at the junction of Chamberlain Street and Portway on Saturday, July 13.