A CHILDREN’S adventure farm has named Bob the Builder illustrator Curtis Jobling and his wife Emma as patrons.

The couple have been supporters of CAFT for several years, volunteering to help the charity to provide once in a lifetime experiences for ill, disabled and disadvantaged children at their Millington base.

Former Penketh High pupil Curtis performed his first official duty recently when 60 children from Ringway and St Peter’s Primary Schools attended meet the author sessions with the man himself.

Curtis told the children about his love of reading, writing and illustration, how he designed Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, about his passion for writing and how his love of books has shaped his life and career.

He taught the children how to sketch a variety of characters and animals and read extracts from his books.

The farm provides holidays, day trips and Christmas parties for terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from across the region.

Each year they must raise £1million to continue to provide these life-changing opportunities to children.

Curtis said: “I’m tremendously honoured to become a patron of CAFT, a charity I’ve championed for some years now.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the important work the Adventure Farm delivers to children and families in need of kindness, care and support.

“I fondly recall my first visit - the enthusiasm of the staff, the incredible facilities, and the love they show to their visitors - it gets under your skin.

“Visit once, you’ll be a supporter for life.”

Emma said: “I am delighted to be invited to join the team at CAFT as a patron.

“From my very first visit I have been awed and inspired by the wonderful work they do, making a positive impact on the lives of so many young people and their families.

“I feel honoured to be included and can’t wait to get more involved on a more regular basis.”