Somerset in pictures: World records and ponies

Raj Singh wearing a blue coat and green turban is stood in the middle of the picture, with his arm resting on a pile of crates full of food to be packed into vans. In the background is the pitch and stands of Somerset County Cricket Club.
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Our round up of the county 's best photos this week includes a world record, as a food foundation made 80,000 meals in 24 hours.

There is also a deflated moon balloon, dogs who started a fire and a local artist showcasing their work.

World record: The Thomas Franks Foundation made a record-breaking 80,000 fresh ready meals in 24 hours in Taunton. The meals are being distributed to local charities around Somerset. The surplus produce was donated by restaurants and shops for the effort, which was close to going out of date or was no longer needed.

A large group of Exmoor Ponies run towards the camera down a country lane with tall hedges on either side. They have a mixture of light and dark brown bodies and dark manesImage source, Exmoor Pony Society

Checking up: Exmoor's 100-strong anchor pony herd has undergone its annual inspection. Staff from the Exmoor Pony Society checked the animals over when they gathered at Winsford Hill on 21 October.

Actress Siân Phillips smiles during rehearsals for Summer 1954, which is being performed at the Bath Theatre Royal. She is wearing a dark top and a long green scarf, and has her hands clasped togetherImage source, Manuel Harlan

And the show goes on: Siân Phillips and fellow stars Nathaniel Parker and Lolita Chakrabarti have been rehearsing for their roles in new stage production Summer 1954, which pairs Terence Rattigan’s Table Number Seven and The Browning Version. It's on at the Theatre Royal Bath until 2 November, after which it will go on a nationwide tour.

A deflated moon art installation, resembling a large pale cloth, floats on top of a riverImage source, Bridgwater Town Council
The Fallen Moon display, which is a large moon based on NASA data, floating on water in Bridgwater's docks

Deflated moon: A large moon art installation will not return after it was damaged in high winds during Storm Ashley, Bridgwater town council has confirmed. The internally-lit Fallen Moon project was created by artist Luke Jerram, who chose Bridgwater to debut the project.

Four firefighters in high-viz jackets holding the two boxer dogs outside a house that had the fire. The windows are open on the terraced house and the pets are sat down with the firefighters.Image source, Devon and Somerset Fire Service

Fire rescue: Two dogs accidentally started a house fire after turning on a gas hob while trying to "have a sneaky smell of some delicious, freshly baked cupcakes". The dogs were home alone in Yeovil. Fire crews arrived in five minutes to find "a small but progressive fire" which was quickly put out and the dogs removed safely from the house.

The Bath netball team are posing for a group photo. They are waring blue and yellow jerseys and some of them are holding balls. They are in the gym.Image source, Team Bath

Blue and Gold: The new 17-strong Team Bath netball cohort will compete in a new national U23 competition linked to the relaunched Netball Super League. Fans will be able to cheer on the 'Blue and Gold' girls in six home matches at the Team Bath Arena.

A local artist smiling at the camera exhibiting her artwork at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) in Bath Image source, Ellie McCallum Photography

Beating cancer: A local artist is exhibiting her artwork at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) in Bath – the same hospital where she was treated for cancer. Phil Batty, from Atworth in Wiltshire, was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma in 2019 and had treatment at the RUH throughout 2020. She has since been given the all-clear but continues to attend the RUH for scans and check-ups.

An elderly woman holding a hammer, hammering a piece of metal on an anvilImage source, South West Heritage Trust

Blacksmith art: The work of a pioneering modernist artist is being celebrated at a new exhibition. Rachel Reckitt (1908-1995), who was one of the country's "few women artist blacksmiths", lived and worked in west Somerset for 60 years. Some of her creations are now being displayed at The Museum of Somerset until 15 March.

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