AN EAST Lancashire farm is in the running for a national award in recognition of their work bringing school children and people with disabilities closer to nature.

Cronkshaw Fold Farm, in Helmshore, a working farm and study centre in Alden Road, has been shortlisted in two categories of the Bayer/FACE Awards which celebrate the best in food and farming education.

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The farm, run by Joy McCarthy, her daughter Dot and their team, was shortlisted in the Access Award Category for “their dedication to teaching children with disabilities about food and farming”.

In 2013 the farm worked with mental health charity Rossendale Rubicon as part of an Essex University study into how people with mental health issues can be helped by being in the countryside.

The team has also been shortlisted in the Farm School Partnership Category in recognition of building successful relationships with schools and making a valuable and sustained contribution to school life both on and away from the farm.

Joy said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted in two out of the three categories in the awards.

“I have being trying to take a step back lately and have two enthusiastic ladies who have been working hard to extend our reach and give the children a really good time when they come and visit the farm.

“We have been working with two schools very closely, one special school from Bury who come for a week residential once a term, and children from St Veronica’s RC School in Helmshore on a virtual agricultural show.”

Janet Hickinbottom, National Education officer at FACE, said: “We have a strong tradition of working together to celebrate the tremendous work carried out by unsung heroes who do so much to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about the countryside with young people. The process isn’t an easy one but the outcome is always exhilarating as we uncover what goes on during these inspiring collaborations between schools and farms.”

The winners will be announced this autumn.