A HIGH-POWERED meeting of MPs and executives last week visited the pioneering West Devon-based centre aiming to rehabilitate young offenders through an intensive residential training programme.
Sir Ewen Cameron, chairman of the Countryside Agency, and Alun Michael, Minister for Rural Affairs,visited Highampton-based C-FAR last Thursday, with 16 executive and board members of the Countryside Agency.
The visit was part of an event to focus on the issues facing young people in the rural South West.
The party was given a presentation by C-FAR?s chief executive Trevor Philpott.
The senior group of trainees also presented their views and talked to the minister.
David Atkinson, senior policy adviser to the Countryside Agency, said: ?We found the whole day very informative. We were shown examples of good work and many issues were raised.?
He said the information gathered on the day would be discussed further by the board and thanked C-FAR staff for their hospitality.
C-FAR also held its first prize giving of the year this week, which saw five trainees receive certificates from Professor John Bull, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council of Devon and Cornwall.
Professor Bull said his visit to C-FAR ?gave hope and encouragement to those disadvantaged within society that, with determination, courage and a belief in themselves, they can attain those basic skills which will take them forward.?
Professor Bull added that organisations like C-FAR ?provided the support and throughcare to enable disadvantaged persons to succeed?.