CHILDREN have been feeding farm animals fruit and vegetables thanks to leftover food donations from a convenience store.

The Midcounties Co-operative food store in Chipping Norton regularly donates leftover food as fruit, vegetables and bread to Fairytale Farm in Southcombe, which the children are then able to feed to the animals.

The fun farm has facilities to make the attraction an enjoyable and comfortable experience for all children, with a specific focus on disabled children.

Nick Laister, director at Fairytale Farm, said: "We like to ensure the farm is accessible and enjoyable for all, and we always welcome families with disabled children. Feeding the animals the left over fruit and vegetables from our local Co-operative Food store really brings encounters with the farm animals to life.

"It's the kind of close encounter that is so difficult to come by, especially for families with less able children. It can really make the visit for many of our younger guests."

Adam Quinton, store manager at Your Local Co-op in Chipping Norton, said: "Fairytale Farm is one of the first farms in the UK to put the needs of disabled children first in its design and layout.

"We're committed to cutting down waste, so are pleased to be able to re-use our waste fresh food in environmentally and socially responsible ways. Donating this waste food to Fairytale Farm is a great way for us not only to re-use this food responsibly, but also support a fantastic local attraction."