The success of a care farm has been hailed by Waveney MP, Peter Aldous, at a special event.

The Lowestoft charity, Pathways Care Farm, was praised for their work with local vulnerable people by Mr Aldous recently at an event to mark their second birthday.

Mr Aldous said: 'The progress that has been made by the staff and volunteers at Pathways Care Farm is to their great credit and is something our local area can be proud of.

'Care farms can play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of those who need it most and Pathways is no exception.'

Pathways Care Farm is based on a beautiful 13-acre site in north Lowestoft. Having been a working farm since the 19th century, in more recent times the farm had been largely unused until the site made a welcome return to its roots.

Pathways Care Farm features everything you would expect from a farm with pigs, goats and a tractor alongside some you might not – including a small herd of Alpacas and a purpose built sensory garden with its very own beach hut.

The care farm provides for those with mental health issues, learning difficulties or those on a rehabilitative programme.

At the recent celebration event, a number of local health and social care professionals who work alongside the farm's dedicated group of staff and volunteers were all in attendance. Together they support up to 40 people a week with learning difficulties, dementia or mental health problems through hands-on activities and personal support.

Geoff Stevens, chairman of trustees at Pathways Care Farm, said: 'It's amazing to see the progress we've made in just two short years, which is a credit to the staggering amount of effort put in by our team of staff and volunteers.

'We all know someone who has been affected by dementia or struggled with their mental health so it's vital that we continue to find ways to help them as much as possible.

'We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the countless people who have supported this project – from giving their time and expertise, supporting us financially or championing our efforts in the sector.'