SOMERSET County Council is launching a competition to find a suitable name for the county’s new community flood support boat.

The new boat arrived in Somerset last month and will be based at the Maunsel Lock Canal Centre near North Newton where it will be kept on standby in case of future flooding emergencies.

At other times, the flat-bottomed Mk III Wheelyboat will be used to provide access to the water for groups of disabled people.

Members of the public are now invited to submit potential names for the boat until noon on Thursday 23 April.

A shortlist of names will be announced on April 27 and people will then be able to vote for their favourite.

Paula Hewitt, Somerset County Council’s Director and Lead Commissioner for Economic and Community Infrastructure, said: “I think we can all agree that ‘community flood support boat’ is not a very catchy name!

"That’s why we’re appealing for your help in finding a new one.

“Let’s not forget what this boat represents. A similar vessel provided a lifeline to residents who had no other way of reaching their homes during the terrible floods of 2014. It transported everyone from schoolchildren and commuters to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

“When it’s not being used as a rescue boat, this Wheelyboat is fully adapted for wheelchair use and will be used to help disabled people access the water.

“This is a boat for the community of Somerset, so it’s only right that the community gets to choose its name.

So whether you’re a pupil at school, a local resident who was affected by the floods or just a member of the public with a really good idea, please get in touch and let us know what you think it should be called.”

Perhaps you will be inspired by the floods, by the boat’s new role as a community resource, or by a place, person or other link to the county of Somerset?

But it’s your call, so please get in touch with your suggestions – the more creative the better. You can submit your suggested name in a number of ways.

You can tweet @SomersetCouncil on Twitter using the hashtag #somersetboat, post on the Somerset County Council Facebook page or email.

The deadline for submissions is noon on April 23.

Following this, all the nominations will be considered by a panel of judges and a shortlist will be compiled.

Members of the public will then be able to vote for their favourite with the winning name announced as part of the celebrations for the first ever Somerset Day on May 11.

The winner will be invited to a special naming ceremony at Maunsel Lock with the chance to helm the boat on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal for themselves.