A POP star has been taking time out from performing to visit a community farm that helps people with learning difficulties.

Perrie Edwards, who used to live in Weymouth and shot to fame after winning X Factor last year with girl group Little Mix, visited Cowden Farm in Charminster, while spending time with family in Dorset.

The former Radipole school pupil’s cousin Reeve Grant attends the farm, which has training facilities to teach skills to adults with learning difficulties.

Perrie, 18, said: “I just love animals and if I get the chance I would love to keep some animals like they have at the farm. The goats, ponies and donkeys are just lovely and I know that my cousin thinks the world of them too.”

Perrie has been taking time out from recording with Little Mix. The group’s debut album will be released this summer Perrie took a tour of Cowden Farm, meeting the animals which have been donated and the young adults who help to look after them.

Farm director Anna Hall said the youngsters had been very excited about the visit. Perrie said: “This break for me has come at the right time. It has been full on for months now and I am certainly not complaining but a chance to spend time with my family in the countryside has just been wonderful.

“I am looking forward to some studio recording work next week.”

She added: “I even had the chance to do some horse riding, something I have not done since I was 10, and it was just fabulous to be in the saddle again.

“Anna thought I did really well and was a natural at riding.”

The farm aims to improve youngsters’ employability by teaching them skills relating to animal care, woodwork and arts and crafts.

Open days are held to raise awareness and funds, and Anna hopes that Perrie’s visit will help to raise the profile of the farm.

She said: “We are very much part of the community here at Cowden Farm and our young people go out into the local areas to help older and disabled residents in their gardens.

“Perrie’s interest in our project has really made a difference.”