FARMERS David and Janet Legge have brought Old MacDonald's farm to life for generations of children over the past 30 years.

Thousands of youngsters and their families have discovered the delights of collecting warm eggs from the hens, throwing potatoes for the pigs and seeing the cows being milked at Shortwood Farm at Pencombe, near Bromyard, but now it's time to close the farm gate for the last time.

Originally launched as a means of diversification on the 150-acre farm, which has been in the family since 1903, the resident cows, pigs, sheep and donkeys among others have brought endless joy to streams of visitors and school parties. The decision to call it a day has been a tough one for 65-year-old David and 63-year-old Janet but they feel the time has come to "take life a little easier". Shortwood Farm's public face will come to an end on Sunday, October 30, though the Legges plan to make the last half-term week a big celebration of the past three decades.

They are asking those with fond memories of visits to Shortwood Farm in the past to email them in, as well as photographs, in order to compile a display. On the farm's last day, there's an invitation to anyone who has been part of Shortwood Farm, as visitors or staff, to join the Legges for special tea party.

"All good things must come to an end," says Janet. "I can't tell you how much we will miss all those wonderful people who have visited us over the years. So many families have started out as customers and become some of our closest friends." The Legge's daughter, Gina will continue to help out on the farm as David and Janet concentrate on milking cows and running farm experience days for adults. Their son, Anthony runs a butchers' shop in Bromyard.

"Our aim over the years has been to give people a fun day out and at the same time give them an insight into our lives and hopefully teach them a little about modern farming and to appreciate where their food comes from."

about modern farming and to appreciate where their food comes from."

"How many times have we seen the astonishment on people's faces when they feel that milk is warm as they draw it from the cow. I will never forget the look of horror on one small child's face as he watched me milking a cow, "You can buy that from the shops you know", he said!!

The farm tractor has clocked up an enormous mileage over 30 years of taking trailer-loads of visitors around the farm to see the views and visit the woods.

"For all those who have made a wish on the Fairy Tree, I do hope that some of their wishes have come true!" says Janet. "I think that what gives us the most pleasure is that what we have provided over the years, in many cases, has formed childhood memories.