A YOUNG farmers' club and a farming charity are looking for new offices, following the closure of a college campus where they are currently based.

With the July deadline for the closure of Newton Rigg campus now confirmed, other businesses and charities located on the site are faced with the prospect of finding new offices, including The Farmer Network and the Federation of Cumbria Young Farmers Club.

They have been told by the owner of the campus, Askham Bryan College, that they must vacate their offices by July 31.

The Farmer Network is a not-for-profit support organisation for the farming communities of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales, with an aim to help farmers and their families run viable and sustainable businesses.

Newton Rigg has provided Cumbria YFC with “peppercorn rent” office space since the 1940s and has been the central hub of the organisation.

Cumbria YFC chief officer, Joanne Mills said: “Cumbria YFC is a registered charity, providing much needed youth services and support to the young people of Cumbria. As a charity, we rely on funding, grants, donations and fundraising events in order to keep operating."

Managing director of The Farmer Network Adam Day said: “Very sadly, the demise of Newton Rigg College seems inevitable. Penrith is an ideal central base for the Farmer Network, and we would like to ensure that we have good access for those members who need to visit the office for meetings and to benefit from other types of support that we offer.”

Cumbria YFC County Chairman, Neil Curr said: “As a community, Cumbria YFC is absolutely devastated at the closure of Newton Rigg. The college has been the starting point for many of our young farmers careers in agriculture and farming.

"It is extremely hard to accept that the decision to close Newton Rigg has been taken by those outside of the county, with seemingly little knowledge or understanding of the needs of the young people of Cumbria.”

Mr Day hopes that other businesses or premises with farming connections may have some office space available for either or both organisations close to or within Penrith.

Ms Mills said: “The hunt is now on for new office space in the Penrith or surrounding areas for the Cumbria YFC county office staff team of two and the young farmers."

If anyone is able to help, email countyoffice@cumbriayfc.co.uk.