A team of reporters from the North Somerset Times has picked up a number of awards at local town carnivals for their float “The Vikings are Coming”.

Led by editor Heather Pickstock, the team won both cups for trade entries in the Portishead Carnival and were also named best in the trade section at the Nailsea Carnival.

Site caretakers from a local school teamed up with the reporters to build the float, while editor’s mum, Sue Pickstock, helped out by making the Viking costumes for the team to wear.

And because the float doubled up as a raft, the team then set sail on the waters of Portishead Lake Grounds for the Lifeboat Trust’s annual raft race.

Despite their daring efforts, the team finished last in the lake dash but were still awarded the best raft trophy.

A full colour, eight-page programme which the newspaper produced for the event helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Portishead Lifeboat Trust.

Heather said: “Our float has been seen across many of the towns and villages the North Somerset Times covers which has raised our profile and proved our commitment to community events.”

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