A REGENERATION scheme developed in the wake of the devastating effects of the foot and mouth epidemic has brought university expertise to a local farm.

Brades Farm Dairy in Farleton has been given funding to take on local graduate Gemma Keenan from Morecambe, who is looking to put her new marketing skills to the test.

Gemma graduated with a marketing degree from the acclaimed Lancaster University Management School in summer and her first real life assignment will involve developing an exciting marketing campaign for the local family business.

Brades Farm Dairy is one of many agricultural businesses receiving support from the County Council and the EU to help regenerate the countryside.

John Towers, who owns the dairy farm with his wife April said: "Foot and mouth has hit farms either side of me but I've been lucky. There's no point in dwelling on what could have happened so I'm looking to the future. I've always been keen to market my business properly but I haven't had the time or the resources to put many of my ideas into practice. I'm really looking forward to see what Gemma can do for my business. It's the first time I've ever done anything like this."

Established in 1960, Brades Farm Dairy is seeking to gain Freedom Foods seal of approval from the RSPCA and are keen to pursue an environmentally friendly farming policy to enhance the natural landscape of the Lune Valley.

Gemma said: "I can already see huge potential for marketing the Brades Farm brand. It has so many positive features and it's my job to make sure people know about them. This is my first main position after leaving university so I'm looking forward to putting my knowledge into practice and hopefully helping the business towards greater success and profitability."