A DODFORD charity, offering holidays in the countryside to disadvantaged youngsters, has been boosted with a new facility donated by a retired trustee.

Mrs Jean Davidson MBE, has volunteered at Dodford Children’s Farm, in Warbage Lane, for more than 50 years and as leaving gift she decided she wanted to give something to the 800 children who visit each year.

She came up with the idea of a jetty, a decked area which allows children to safely pond dip and seating space across the stream with stepping stones.

The stream runs through the site’s nine acres of woodland, meadow and fields.

The new addition has been named 'Jean’s Jetty' after its patron.

Alwyn Rea, head of the board of trustees at Dodford Farm, said: “The farm is a registered charity heavily dependent on voluntary support and there can be no better example of this than Jean Davidson who has championed and promoted it over so many years.

“Jean’s amazing energy and dedicated involvement have contributed much to the development of facilities at the farm which continues to meet a significant need.

“Her gesture in financing this new feature is typical of Jean and will be much enjoyed by children coming to the farm in future. ‘Jean’s Jetty’ is a very fitting tribute to a special lady.”

The charity was established in 1950 by Dr Beaumont and Lucy Cadbury with the ethos that needy Birmingham children can visit and enjoy a taste of the countryside.

Children from all over the Midlands visit the farm for an experience beyond the classroom.

The site is also visited by families in need of a holiday who are referred by healthcare professionals.

For more information visit www.dodfordfarm.co.uk or follow the charity on Twitter@DodfordFarm.