CHILDREN from deprived inner city areas are being given lessons in country living at a new residential study centre on a Rossendale hill farm.

Youngsters are to be introduced to the beauties of the Pennine landscape thanks to a £34,000 grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Joy McCarthy, of Cronkshaw Fold Farm, Helmshore, received a Rural Enterprise Scheme grant to set up the centre and teach young people from Lancashire's poorer areas about the joys of nature.

The 45-acre farm, where Joy, a former primary school teacher, and her husband Ian have lived for more than 12 years, already offers open days and educational visits to schools in the area.

Building work has started on a four-bedroom cottage which will act as a base for residential weekends and short breaks.

The initiative is aimed at special needs youngsters and families on low incomes who may be in need of a break.

It is expected the cottage will be open early next year -- with plans to run courses looking at life skills including cooking classes, tips on growing vegetables and farming techniques.

Joy said: "The new centre will also offer visitors the chance to explore the beautiful Lancashire countryside nearby -- and meet the animals which live on the farm."

"A centre like this can teach young people an awful lot about the countryside -- like how eggs are produced, or where lamb chops come from.

"The grant has helped us take a big step forward in this project. Now we can offer short breaks and a wider range of study options for young people with special needs or from low income backgrounds."

Juliet Coates, of DEFRA's rural development service added: "The Rural Enterprise Scheme is there to help people in farming and related rural land-based industries to develop new skills.

"It is rewarding to see Joy's project moving forward and we are delighted we have been able to help her develop this centre which will enable young people and their families to learn a great deal about rural life."