A popular sunflower field in Worcestershire is opening to the public this summer to brighten the lives of youngsters who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Becketts Farm, in Wythall, opens its three-acre sunflower field and wildflower meadow every year between late July and August for free - and this year the farm is asking visitors for a voluntary donation toTouchstones Child Bereavement Support.

The charity provides one-to-one support for those aged between five and 21 in north east Worcestershire who have lost a loved one, while also providing Touchstone Memory Days where young people can come together to share memories of their loved ones and participate in activities to reduce isolation.

Any funds raised from donations this summer will go towards funding the charity’s Memory Days, which include activities such as zip wiring, go karting and artwork, before ending with candle time to reflect on their lost loved one.

Vicki Quarton set up Touchstones Child Bereavement Support in 2011, which helps around 100 young people a year.

She said: “Grieving a loved one is difficult for everybody, but especially so for young people who are getting to grips with the world and rely on others for care, and we are here to show them that they are not alone.

“The Memory Days that we hold every year really underline the importance of our work as so many children have a lightbulb moment when they realise that they aren’t lonely anymore."

Becketts Farm is aiming to smash its own fundraising target of £2,600 achieved in 2022, which would help to fund various Touchstones Memory Days, which cost around £600 per day for a group of 18 young people.

Simon Beckett, Chairman at Becketts Farm, added: “We are a family-run business and Touchstones Child Bereavement Support is a cause that is close to our hearts, and we are thrilled to be supporting them.

“Our fields provide a great space for visitors to explore and take photos before grabbing a bite to eat in our on-site restaurant.

“We are hoping that the memorable days out that our sunflower fields provide this year also sow the seeds for happier times ahead for those in need.

“The opening of the fields are always weather dependent, but we are aiming to be open by late July and throughout August, and would urge people to keep checking our Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest opening information.”

Becketts Farm’s partnership with Touchstones also drew praise from Shakespeare’s England, the tourism board for south Warwickshire which the farm is also a member of.

Darren Tosh, Operations and Marketing Director at Shakespeare’s England, commented: “It’s fantastic to see attractions such as Becketts Farm utilising their offering to help benefit other causes.

“This type of community spirit is infectious, and here’s hoping this charitable gesture helps to land record visitor numbers – and fundraising over the summer."