CHILDREN and families have been going on walks to spot the Gruffalo, at its new home on Inglenook Farm.

If you go down to the woodland around the farm off the Rainford bypass, which houses several businesses, characters from popular Julia Donaldson books can be spotted for all to enjoy.

St Helens Star:

 

They were created by Tony Cowley and donated to Inglenook Farm for residents to enjoy.

Steve Holmes, owner of Inglenook Farm, said: "When Tony got in touch and said he had these characters he'd carved and would we like them we were made up to visit Inglewood to see them and were delighted with them and arranged for them to be brought to Inglenook Farm.

 

"We've put them near the water and Tony didn't want paying for them, he just wants donations - for anyone who comes by and enjoys them - to go to charity and we've chosen Willowbrook Hospice to be that charity.

"It happened really quickly about two weeks ago we got the phone call and it happened very organically, so it's just a lovely thing to be able to help with.

 

"We have had a few people come here to have services done or access the takeaway at the Cherry Orchard Tearoom at Inglenook Farm so they often stay and walk in the area, and it's lovely for the children to see.

"It's fantastic seeing children so excited to find all the characters, especially the Gruffalo in their wellies in lockdown."

 

Tony Cowley, who created the carvings, worked for the ambulance service for more than 30 years.

He added: "The carvings had been located at a local wood and their popularity has taken social media by storm.

"The carvings had been done for local children in Rainford but, their popularity grew so much that a better location had to be found and so after consultation with Steve Holmes it was agreed for them to be transferred.

 

"I'm delighted to see the carvings getting such a warm welcome.

"Lots of children read the Gruffalo story and it was my grandson Joseph, who initially told me the story and that had continued with the others.

 

"I can't wait for this pandemic to end to get all my grandchildren together to jointly come and see the Gruffalo and all his family and friends located at Inglenook Farm.

"The location is much better with good car parking spaces and room to ensure good social distancing for everyone."