A 'SOCIAL farm' is to be created in Middlesbrough town centre by a national charity.

The Camphill Village Trust - which supports people with disabilities - has announced a partnership with Middlesbrough Council to develop an 'urban hub and social farm' in the town.

It will be situated alongside the new digital skyscraper project Boho X launched this week and will bring green space into the town centre while creating a community hub.

With both indoor and outdoor facilities, it will provide a base for day, evening and weekend sessions for people with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, dementia as well as reaching out to other vulnerable adults in the community and surrounding areas.

Robin Asquith, care farm manager at the Trust said: "Working on the land has many therapeutic benefits.

"Along with helping people establish new relationships, friends and neighbours, people learn new skills and grow in confidence.

"Urban farms also afford people the opportunity to really contribute to their community in a positive way."

The charity is currently in discussions with the council about the project and ideas include providing an integrated community hub linking land-based work experience alongside arts and craft-based projects and promoting local voluntary groups.

The space will also provide a café promoting supported employment opportunities and selling produce from the urban farm.

Huw John, Trust CEO, said: "This is such a positive opportunity for Camphill Village Trust to co-develop a real community project alongside local people and those who need extra support to be part of their local community."