EXMOOR National Park Authority has stepped in with a grant to keep West Somerset College’s farm unit open until the end of February.

And in the meantime, talks are being held to try to secure its future in the longer term.

The park authority has offered a grant of £20,000 to enable it the farm unit to continue operating while it explores opportunities with the Bridgwater College Trust for the education facility’s future.

Discussions have been held with a group of key businesses and local organisations all with an interest in the farm, and the park said this week itn was optimistic a viable future may well be achievable, although it will take time to put the plan in place.