A BROMSGROVE charity giving inner-city kids a taste of the countryside has seen a rise in the number of children going through its gates.

Dodford Childrens Farm, which is run as a charity, provides a rural getaway for socially and physically disadvantaged children from urban areas to find out more about the countryside.

Throughout 2014 the farm, in Warbage Lane, welcomed over a thousand visitors made up of 815 children and 242 adults.

The number of children enjoying day visits has also risen – to 363 in 2014 from 294 in 2013.

The farm’s resident warden, Kelly Broadfield, says the continued popularity of the centre is down to a number of factors, including the closure of a number of outdoor education centres across the West Midlands.

“We’d like to thank all the children and parents who have visited the farm this year," Kelly said.

“The vast majority of the children who visit us are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It’s extremely rewarding for us to be able to offer these children a stress-free break in the countryside. You might find it hard to believe, but some of the children have never seen a farm animal in real life before coming to Dodford Farm.

“With a number of similar outdoor educational centres having closed this year due to cuts in government funding, we’re seeing increased interest from teachers and support workers.

“With a new emphasis on animals, habitats and food chains in the primary school curriculum, as well as the relatively low cost of a visit, we expect to see visitor numbers increase again in 2015.

"I encourage teachers and others who want to find out more about us to get in touch.”