A BROMSGROVE charity is in the running to be named one of the best in the UK after being shortlisted for a Regional Rural Business Award.

Dodford Children’s Farm on Warbage Lane will battle it out against fellow rural charities, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final.

The regional final will be held virtually in October 2021, with the national final taking place early next year.

Manager of the farm, Kelly Broadfield said: “We were really pleased to be shortlisted for this award.

“We were runners up in 2018 so we are hoping this time we will go all the way!

“We have done so well as a small charity to survive the pandemic and still be here for those children who need us more than ever now.”

Dodford Children’s Farm was established in 1950 by a school doctor and Lucy Cadbury to provide countryside respite for young children from post-war Birmingham.

The charity still offers countryside retreats of up to five days to children aged nine and under, special needs children with parents or carers along with family holidays on a referral basis.

Director and co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “We are excited to celebrate the 2021/2022 awards after such a challenging year for businesses.

“We are passionate about creating a nurturing environment where rural businesses can develop, and this starts by showcasing the great work they do.

“On behalf of everyone at the Rural Business Awards, we want to say well done to Dodford Children’s Farm and wish them luck ahead of the regional finals.”

The farm has nine acres of meadows and woodlands with farm animals such as pigs, donkeys and sheep.

This year’s Rural Business Awards 2021/2022, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the awards’ seventh year.