MORE than 50 school children, parents and farmers attended the launch of a fiction book for children at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm.

It was commissioned by the Shropshire Hills Farming Project and has been created by local storyteller, Sal Tonge and local artist Katy Alston following a series of storytelling and art workshops in local schools, which were organised by the farming project.

“The great thing about this book is the fact that the children can identify with it so much,” said Claire Le ggott, chairman of governors at Norbury Primary School.

“They have the backg round to it from when the farming project worked with the school and organised visits to local farms and they all remember that.”

Everyone present at the launch received a copy of the book and had the opportunity to get it signed by the author and illustrator.

A copy of the book will also be gifted to all the primary schools in and around the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and to local libraries.

“This is a cracking book that provides a wonderful insight into our countryside and some of the things that go on in the farming world,” said farmer Frank Morgan.

The book, through the process of creation to the launch, reflects much of the Farming Project’s educational work, connecting rural communities and local farmers.

“It really is a lasting legacy of the farming project that can continue to raise awareness of farming and be enjoyed by children and adults alike into the future,” said Vicky Wood the farming community project officer.

The Shropshire Hills Farming Project is a 3 year project, funded by LEADER in the Shropshire Hills and the Big Lottery and finishes in July 2013.