CHILDREN'S Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) is a charity in Warrington that promotes the experiences of children with disabilities.

Established in 1992, CAFT is located just outside of Lymm, on Reddy Lane, and I went down to the farm to see the work that the charity does.

CAFT focuses on providing experiences for children who might otherwise not be able to have 'normal' childhoods.

Warrington Guardian: CAFT's animals are friendly - except for a grumpy goat called Sheldon, that isCAFT's animals are friendly - except for a grumpy goat called Sheldon, that is (Image: CAFT)

Whether it's due to illness, disability, or economic hardship, CAFT is there to support children and their well-being.

One of the hardships faced by many children with additional needs is that families often do not feel comfortable on days out, for fear that they will be judged if their child struggles, or 'causes a scene'.

Across CAFT's 10-acre site is the space needed for families to enjoy the experiences of days out, without the worry of causing distress to their children.

When children spend a lot of time in and out of hospitals and doctors' appointments, the experience of a fun day out can be one of the best tonics.

On the farm itself is a whole host of animals - as you'd expect - including pigs (Thelma and Louise), donkeys, chickens, goats, sheep, and an aviary.

Warrington Guardian: CAFT supports children who are economically disadvantaged, as well as those with additional needs or disabilities CAFT supports children who are economically disadvantaged, as well as those with additional needs or disabilities (Image: CAFT)

One of the animals I met was a goat called Sunflower - Sunny, for short - who was bought by a family that thought he would make a good household pet.

For this reason, by the time he made it to CAFT, he was as domesticated as a family dog - which means that children visiting the farm can safely get near him and pet him.

Experiences like this are invaluable to children with additional needs or sensory issues.

Speaking as someone who has a family member with additional needs, the importance of experiences like this - in a safe, controlled, and loving environment - mean the world to children and their families.

Having been taken on a tour of the farm - and been splashed with mud by Thelma the pig - I was shown to CAFT's Christmas grotto, as well as the festive trail laid out across the farm.

The whole area has been trimmed up for Christmas, and every day from Saturday, November 26 until Friday, December 23 CAFT will be open to bring festive cheer to children across the region.

Warrington Guardian: Jason Manford put a shift in as Santa at CAFT this yearJason Manford put a shift in as Santa at CAFT this year (Image: CAFT)

CAFT is supported by a few familiar faces, with comedian Jason Manford being one of the patrons - he even stopped by to 'help Santa out' in his grotto this year.

The charitable trust is expecting to bring Christmas to 3,000 children over a four-week period this year, which is set to cost the charity £150,000 to run.

Seeing the sheer amount that is on offer at CAFT when I was there with them, it's clear that they cannot continue offering the same exceptional care to children without the support of those in the community.

CAFT is lucky that the community has supported it for 30 years, and is hoping that people will continue to donate this year.

The charity said: "During their Christmas visit, each child will enjoy a range of activities, including meeting our animals in the Christmas Barn, festive crafts and marshmallow toasting around the campfire.

"They’ll also be treated to music, storytelling and games in our entertainment zone before following the Elf Trail around our Winter Woodland, ending with a magical visit to Santa in his fully accessible grotto, each receiving a bag of gifts and sweet treats."

Warrington Guardian: CAFT goes above and beyond to help create special Christmas memories for childrenCAFT goes above and beyond to help create special Christmas memories for children (Image: CAFT)

To help support CAFT, businesses have been encouraged to 'sponsor a child' or 'sponsor a party' and offer to help cover the costs of sending a child to the farm for a Christmas adventure day.

Donations of new toys are also encouraged, but the charity will also accept any monetary contributions, too - even a donation of £1 can be used to purchase a selection box for a child.

Th charity added: "With your help, we will provide accessible, fun parties for 3,000 ill, disabled or socially disadvantaged children. 

"Together we can bring festive magic into the lives of these fantastic children.

"Together we can change lives."

For more information on the Christmas appeal, or to donate, visit CAFT's website.