Campaigning politicians often see little of their family during the run-up to an election, but Lib Dem hopeful Jasper Gerard found an event he could take his children Fred and Emilia to.

The Gerard family visited Lainey’s Farm in Pagehurst Road, Staplehurst, and were accompanied by Baroness Bonham-Carter, who had come down from London to support Mr Gerard’s campaign to win Maidstone and the Weald.

The Baroness is a cousin to the actress Helena Bonham-Carter; her great-grandfather was Herbert Asquith, the former Prime Minister.

Lainey’s Farm provides day-care for adults with learning difficulties. It opened just over a year ago and is run by Elaine Symes and her partner Toby Marsh.

Miss Symes said: “We have 10 acres, with sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and horses.

“Our students usually spend between one and three days a week here learning to look after the animals.

“They do everything from trimming the sheep’s feet to mucking out.”

The farm currently caters for eight students a day, but is looking to increase to 12.

Miss Symes said: “At the moment our students are aged between 18 and 44. We only take over-18s, but there is no upper age limit.”

The farm picks up the students from points within a 15-mile radius.

Miss Symes said: “Mr Gerard was very interested in what we do and spoke to all the students, though to be honest I’m not sure they knew who he was - they were more excited about being in the KM.

“The baroness was lovely and offered some helpful tips.”

Mr Gerard said: “Providing support for people with mental health and other issues is very important and Lainey’s Farm is doing a wonderful job.”

To inquire about a work-place at the farm, call 07921 917289.

*Candidates in the Maidstone and the Weald constituency are Jasper Gerard (Lib Dem); Helen Grant (Con); Paul Hobday (NHAP); Robin Kinrade (Ind); Hannah Patton (Green); Eddie Powell (Ukip) and Allen Simpson (Lab)