A FARM offering a hands on experience for people with learning difficulties has taken a major step forward.

Cowden Care Farm at Charminster has been officially opened as a Community Interest Company, providing a big boost for the way the organisation can raise funds to support its work.

The farm is now looking for people to sponsor its animals after achieving its new status.

Co-ordinator Siobhan Davis said: “We have gone as a Community Interest Company so we can raise funds for the farm.

“One of the ways we will do that is through sponsorship of our animals.

“People can sponsor our donkeys, goats, Shetland ponies and other animals and for £20 you get four visits per year to groom their animals.

“The money will go towards helping pay for the vet bills and upkeep of the animals.”

Cowden Farm offers adults with learning disabilities the chance to pick up skills in animal care, horticulture and woodwork.

Mayor of Dorchester Tess James and Dorchester Town Crier and local district councillor Alistair Chisholm attended a special celebration to mark the farm’s new status as a Community Interest Company Mrs Davis said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day.

“We had the mayor of Dorchester come along to open it and we had a tombola, raffle, barbecue and cream teas – it’s been wonderful.

“We had people turn up who had signed up to volunteer as well as prospective service users, the team from Connexions and the learning disability team, parents and their carers.”

Councillor James was impressed by what she saw at the farm.

She said: “It’s an amazing project and all the activities they are offering for people with learning disabilities are just wonderful.

“This was my second visit and I have seen how things have developed and what a fantastic resource it is.

“The people are obviously very happy and very engaged with the activities and we are lucky to have such a resource on our doorstep.

“The service users take you round and they are obviously proud of what they are doing and it’s a joy to be there.

“The volunteers are all working very hard and I hope they continue.”

Cowden Farm has recently seen three bird nests created by service users go up for sale at Poundbury Garden Centre and is also able to provide a service making shelves and repairing furniture.

For more information about the work of the farm or to sponsor an animal contact 01305 250444, email cowdencarefarn@btinternet.com or visit www.cowdenfarm.org