A FORMER student from West Somerset College's Farm Unit has spoken about how he managed to pursue a career as a vet thanks to his experience at the College.

The farm unit is seemingly at risk as new governing body Bridgwater College Trust looks to reduce the massive budget gap it has inherited.

More than 1,800 people have joined a Facebook group called Save Our College Farm and 946 people have signed a petition calling for the resource to remain open.

Jonathan attended WSCC from 2002-05 and then stayed on at the sixth form from 05-07 before undertaking a veterinary medicine degree at the Royal Veterinary College, London, graduating in 2012.

"I now work exclusively as a farm animal vet. During my time at the college I undertook GCSE agriculture and horticulture, when the farm was based at the old site," he said.

"Not coming from a farming background, this subject undoubtedly gave me invaluable exposure to and a basic education in agriculture. I truly believe this helped me gain a place at university, as well as setting me up excellently for my time at vet school.

"Losing the college farm will prevent future aspirant vets having the opportunities that I had, as well as leaving a vocational void for students whose futures lie directly in farming.

"Furthermore, the recent fortunes of the WSCC in general sadden me. It is a far cry from the outstanding heights achieved when I was privileged enough to attend, under the guidance of Nick Swann and his excellent and dedicated team of teachers and staff."

West Somerset College is currently in special measures, and says that the courses on offer are being reviewed in a bid to make the school sustainable.

Principal of Bridgwater College, Mike Robbins said the senior managers are consulting with staff on a proposed curriculum and staffing model for the future, and exploring different options for the future of the farm.

"The core issue with the farm is that it is a significantly expensive resource which is used to provide a curriculum for what is expected to be less than a dozen students across two courses," Mr Robbins said.

"In the current funding position the college is in, this model is clearly not sustainable."