Princess Anne met with criminals whose lives have been transformed by farming yesterday (22.09.08).


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The Princess Royal visited the Good Soil Project at Top Barn near Worcester, England which aims to help offenders move away from a life of crime by encouraging them to learn how to farm.

Project coordinator Rocky Hudson said: “If we just get someone to stop their criminality then it’s a good thing for themselves and for the community.

“The visit is recognition for the good work that the clients are doing and will also help us to attract sponsorship because we are short of equipment and funding.”

The princess, wearing a blue skirt suit, was shown around the site and introduced to some of the people who have benefitted from it.

She also met TV gardener Monty Don, who helped launch a similar project in Leominster, Herefordshire in 2004.

Once the tour was complete, Princess Anne moved on to the Green Start Project Training Centre, also at Top Barn, which aims to help students with physical or learning disabilities learn life skills.

After a tour of the area courtesy of Noelle Wilson, who runs the project, a plaque commemorating the princess’ visit was unveiled.

Anne said: “It’s a delight to see and quite an achievement for you all.”

She went on to visit Worcester Citizen’s Advice Bureau as part of her role as patron of the organisation.