PORTLANDERS rallied to support a fun day to help save a community farm.

Fancy’s Farm is home to the last flock of Portland sheep on the island but its farmer Su Illsley is facing eviction.

She has been ordered to leave by landowner Albion Stone which says it has exhausted negotiations and has no choice but to evict her.

But Mrs Illsley, who is preparing for the lambing season, says she is staying put.

Friends showed their support by holding a fundraising fun day at The Clifton Hotel on Saturday.

There was face painting, a raffle, an art auction, car boot sale and a barbecue with all the money raised going towards the farm at Southwell.

Mrs Illsley and husband Jon initially pursued the farm as a hobby to look after rare breed Portland Sheep but it has grown into a popular community farm enjoyed by families.

Friend of Mrs Illsley and organiser of the fun day, Helen Jordan, said she wanted the event to demonstrate the value of the farm to islanders. She said: “We are hoping to raise as much as possible just to give something back and say thank you. With the eviction, whether it’s for legal costs or food for the animals, we just want to offer our support.”

Mrs Illsley said Albion laid down ‘unreasonable’ terms regarding the land that she objected to. An eviction letter says she must be off the land by Tuesday.

Mrs Illsley said she has 50 pregnant sheep and is unable to move them.

She said: “We are not asking anything of Albion. We have money to pay the rent – the farm is self-sufficient.

“They have decided they want us to go unless we can abide by these conditions which are unreasonable.”

Albion managing director, Michael Poultney, said the firm took possession of the site in December, 2009 and were happy for Mrs Illsley to stay as long as she came up with a business plan.

Mr Poulton said proposals were put to her which she negated.

A support group has been set up on Facebook called ‘Join Fancy’s Farm’.