A BUSINESS that was set up to support a family farm through tough times is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Belinda Metcalfe set up Adventure Toys out of Southholme Farm, Little Smeaton, near Northallerton, to create an extra income.

She said she had not been interested in setting up a bed and breakfast like many other farms, and after shopping around for an outdoor play set for her young daughters she decided to try selling toys.

“It has always been outside toys. We just needed some extra income but over the years it was grown beyond anything we had imagined.

“I now spend all my time working in the shop, and my daughter Louise Ingham has joined the business.

“We try to sell toys that are harder to find, and our product knowledge and customer service has helped us survive through the digital age.”

To celebrate the anniversary Mrs Metcalfe has activities planned throughout the year, including a week of railway construction fun from June 16 to 21; a summer fair on August 13; as well as an autumn festival and Christmas events later in the year.

The company has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and schools in its 25 years.