A COLLEGE is helping those affected by the end of the 'Grandfather Rights' exemption when using pesticides.

A number of qualifications will be available to those affected by the exemption which applies to those born before December 31st 1964 for using Plant Protective Products (PPP) authorised for professional use.

This exemption will come to an end in November after which those who use PPP will have to have a Certificate of Competence from a recognised body.

This includes use on crops, land, produce, materials and buildings which are owned, occupied or rented by them or their employer.

City and Guilds Land Services has developed a Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides for people who will lose their ‘Grandfather Rights’, and use pesticides on land they own or their employer owns.

It will take place at North Shropshire College's Walford Campus.

The college's Rural Skills Coordinator, Chloe Bird, said: "NSC’s Walford Campus offers a wide selection of training and qualifications appropriate for all users of PPP’s, from professional contractors to Smallholder owners."