A FARM in the heart of Oxford is on the hunt for more trustees and regular donors to help the thriving urban attraction grow.

The idea of creating Oxford City Farm was dreamt up a decade ago as a way to educate people about food production and to promote healthy living.

Based at Cornwallis Road, near Florence Park, the community team finally signed a 40-year lease on their East Oxford site last February.

A planning application was also approved by the city council in June to allow the group to build a toilet block, sheltered outdoor kitchen and temporary office at the site.

Chairman of trustees, Lucie Mayer, said: "We are at an exciting point of growth and transition as we develop capacity to expand our work with the community."

She added the 2.5-acre farm needed experienced and 'highly motivated' volunteers to capitalise on this momentum.

Organisers are looking for a treasurer, plus trustees with skills and experience in PR and marketing, community business development, HR and policy.

The closing date for expressions of interest is August 21.

Email info@oxfordcityfarm.org.uk

Ms Mayer said the charity was also keen to get more regular donations to help the farm plan ahead.

She explained: "We are committed to keeping the farm a space that is accessible to the whole community.

"We have been successful in raising grants and crowd funding for some of our larger projects, but to meet the farm’s essential core running costs we are seeking regular donations from our supporters.

She continued: "Regular donations enable us to plan work into the future and also help us access money from other funders.

"Even a small (ideally regular) donation will make a huge difference to our work."

Ms Mayer said this money would help fund everything from free workshops helping local people learn new skills in growing food to working with local schools and hosting holiday clubs for children and young people with lessons about growing, picking, cooking and eating fresh local food.

The group is also keen to put on events aimed at bringing the whole community together to have a fun and enjoyable experience on the farm.

One of these will be the return of the farm's annual festival in October, which will feature apple pressing, animal petting, and a host of food and drinks stalls.

Volunteers are already being sought for the event.

For more information about how to get involved with the work of the farm visit oxfordcityfarm.org.uk

Donate via the website or get in touch by searching Oxford City Farm on Facebook.