THE charity Farms for City Children will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a weekend of special events at its farm in Iddesleigh — including a special reading of War Horse by the charity’s co-founder and celebrated author Michael Morpurgo.

The organisation, set up by Mr Morpurgo and his wife Clare, offers children from towns and cities a unique chance to live and work together on a real farm. Many of the children who visit Nethercott House in Iddesleigh live in some of Britain’s most deprived urban areas and have experienced great difficulties in their lives.

Children lucky enough to stay at Nethercott House should not expect a sedate week’s holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life; the property is a fully working traditional farm and children who stay are fully involved in the day to day chores of farm life.

Nethercott House will host the celebratory weekend.

Tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm, Mr Morpurgo will be telling the powerful and deeply moving story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey accompanied by the highly acclaimed and former War Horse National Theatre somgman, Ben Murray. Songs specially composed by John Tams for the National Theatre’s award-winning production will be sung interspersed with Michael’s narration of the well known story as seen through the eyes of Joey.

Nethercott House grounds will be open from 6pm for a hog roast, bar and strawberries and cream or bring your own picnic. The event in the marquee will start at 8pm. It will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

On Sunday, July 17, a summer country fair will take place at Nethercott House. From 10.30am to 4pm there will be chick hatching, ferret racing, archery and much more.

For more information on the charity and these events visit www.farmsforcitychildren.org