Founder of Chipping Norton's Fairytale Farm is recognised as a leadership champion during the coronavirus challenge

Nick Laister, founder of Fairytale Farm, the disabled-friendly Chipping Norton visitor attraction, has been made an honorary member of the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Nicola and Nick Laister of Fairytale Farm, near Chipping NortonNicola and Nick Laister of Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton
Nicola and Nick Laister of Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton

Mr Laister, who runs the farm with his wife Nicola, has been recognised by the council as one of the leadership figures who have helped to keep the country running during the unprecedented period of Covid-19.

As an honorary member of the Leaders Council Mr Laister has pledged to adhere to the its Charter of Principles and to do everything possible to help aid the nation's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Lord Blunket, chairman of the council said: ‘Keeping an organisation in operation during this period is no small feat and it is our belief that the thousands of leadership figures across the country deserve a greater level of recognition.

"It is inspiring to see so many of them sign our Charter of Principles. We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated leaders in this country and this is our small way of recognising them and the contribution they make."

Nick Laister is a chartered town planner and operational director at Oxfordshire-based planning and environment consultancy RPS Group.

Formerly chair of the Dreamland Heritage Trust in Margate, he developed and opened Fairytale Farm in Oxfordshire in 2013 with his wife Nicola. It was the UK's first visitor attraction that was built around the needs of children with disabilities but open to all.

The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was set up to support and champion leadership in all its forms. The Charter of Principles can be signed by any leadership figure who wishes to do so but anyone found flouting the principles is removed. The aim is to ensure that the nation's recovery is built on the strongest possible foundations.

You can read more about Fairytale Farm and the Leaders Council's Charter of Principles here.