AN ACTIVITY centre for youngsters at Hadlow is to be axed. Philanthropist John Horne set up the Golden Stable Wood Field Centre on the 500-acre North Frith Farm almost 20 years ago to teach children about the countryside.

Since then he has provided financial support for the day field trip centre, which is visited by up to 10,000 children every year from schools and youth groups all over the South East. But in 1992 he passed on the farm to his son, Richard Horne, and daughter, Jenny Thomas, who have decided to close it down at Christmas this year.

John Hammond, who has managed the centre for 12 years, said: "It has done amazing things, giving what for many of the children is their first proper look at the countryside and green issues. Now, for some incomprehensible reason, the next generation of the Horne family want to close us down. It's unbelievable."

But Richard Horne, also of Ashes Lane, Hadlow, defended the decision he and his sister made to wind up the centre, explaining that it had always been his father's project. He said: "It seems a natural time to call it a day. The centre has had a great 18 years and it is a very positive thing that it happened in the first place."

He stressed that children will still use the site, particularly the lake, which is used by the Barnabus Trust charity for water sports. His father, John, admitted feeling sad about the closure, but fully supports his son's decision. He said: "When I inherited the farm I was able to do what I chose with it and I have given my children the freedom to do the same. It is a shame, but the centre was never intended to last forever."

Now John Hammond is desperate to find another suitable site for the field centre, and the Horne family is happy to donate equipment for it. Mr Hammond can be contacted on 01580 712952 or 01732 850273.