An international movement which provides accommodation and day support for people with learning disabilities is opening its doors as an educational centre for schoolchildren in Chorley.

Lisieux Hall Farm and Gardens, Dawson Lane, Whittle-le-Woods, is now on Lancashire Education Authority's list of interesting places for schools to visit.

Bosses at the centre are holding open days for teachers and community group leaders this month to showcase what the hall and farm has to offer.

Based in 100-acres of land, Lisieux Hall has a small farm, gardens, a pets' corner and a woodland.

Ann Stokes, land base unit manager there, said opening up to community groups and schools is part of the ethos of Brothers of Charity, which runs the hall and farm.

"It's a beautiful estate and we are hoping to tailor a school's visit in with their curriculum," she added.

Miss Stokes said there were many activities on offer, such as feeding baby animals, making hanging baskets, collecting natural materials for art projects, or science and geography projects.

As well as schools, a whole range of community groups are being invited to take up the offer to visit, such as gardening clubs, over 50s clubs, brownies, cubs, groups of small holders and out of school clubs.

Miss Stokes added: "We have a super resource here and we are inviting teachers and community groups to come and see it and hopefully they will want to come back."

Brothers of Charity are an international group who provide support for people with learning disabilities to gain skills and access to employment.

The next open day is on Thursday, November, 10 from 10am to 4pm.