Somerset in Pictures: Dairy shows and dogs needing homes

Somerset in Pictures: Cows, dogs and charity days Our roundup of pictures taken across this week in Somerset include prize-winning dairy cows and a new breast cancer unit.

There is more animal content too - including dogs that are up for adoption at St Giles Animal Centre.

Country traditions: A handler and her cow leave the judging ring with a prize at The Dairy Show at the Bath and West Showground. The Dairy Show event, which took place this week, is one of the most important dates in the dairy farmer's calendar, combining a trade show with an exhibition of top-quality dairy cattle.

Cancer care: The Maple Unit, run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's charity, is the first purpose-built breast cancer unit at Yeovil Hospital. The new facility will open on Monday.

Recruitment drive: Emily Paul and her sister Georgie say they love working on their family dairy farm. Dairy farms are "struggling" to recruit young people to join the industry, according to experts, leading to a new recruitment drive.

Cycle for cancer: Matt Parsons, 45, is taking on a 569 mile (916km) cycle from Somerset to France, after his wife, Jess Parsons, 38, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer in 2022.

Needing a home: Staff from St Giles Animal Centre in Taunton say they have run out of space so cannot accept any more dogs. The charity is launching a foster drive - where people take in dogs temporarily - so the team can focus on finding them permanent homes.

Volunteering for community: Outside of his role as a Nailsea town councillor, James Turner is a member of the Lloyds Banking Group. He and 11 others from the bank's Bristol team gave up their day to weed and litter pick in Nailsea.

Rent-free: The charity Interim Spaces allows businesses to use 10 Market Place, in Shepton Mallet, rent and bill free, to encourage more shops to open in the town. The Little Farm Shop, which sells fresh produce such as vegetables and meat, has now moved its premises after a successful stint.