A LOCAL builder has helped Lower Treginnis Farm for City Children win £50,000 as a way of recognising the support that staff game him during a time of personal tragedy.

Local carpenter and builder, Christopher James and his wife lost their baby son Callum in May 2016, shortly after he was born.

At the time Christopher was working at the farm at the time, refurbishing a small classroom. He said the farm became his "sanctuary" during this difficult time.

"When I returned back to work the support from Dan and the staff was incredible," he said. "Without knowing it they really did rescue me with their kindness."

In March Christopher nominated Lower Treginnis for the Jewson Building Better Communities Awards.

Christopher has been working on various building projects at Treginnis for the past three years and is inspired by the work done there.

"I am overwhelmed with the passion and determination that all the staff have for the farm and for their guests to have the best time possible," he said.

"Children travel from all round the country to visit the farm. It gives them a chance to live on a working farm, some of these children have never even seen a sheep or chicken in real life.

"The farm is run by Dan Jones, an exceptional person and probably one of the most passionate people I know. It has been a constant struggle for him to get the work carried out on the farm, as they solely rely on funding."

Dan and Christopher travelled up to Nottingham last week to the Jewson award ceremony but didn't know, until it was announced, that they had won the regional prize of £50,000.

"I was absolutely over the moon," he said. "I wasn't expecting it. It was just a simple nomination and ended up with winning £50,000."

Lower Treginnis farm manager, Dan Jones, added that he was "blown away" by the award. "We didn't think we would win the top prize," he said.

It is hoped that the money will be used to build a new farm shop and café in one of the farm's out buildings which will help generate an income for the charity for years to come.

"The amount of walkers we have through the farm is huge," said Dan. "This would be the perfect spot for people to come and have a cup of tea and see what we do.

"It could become the heart of the farm, with the children involved in making produce, stocking the shop and manning it. It would be the gift that keeps on giving.