AN ability to change with the times has set a former butcher turned farmer on the road to yet another venture - the launch of a livery stable with a cross-country course.

William Snaith, of Old Hall Farm, High Coniscliffe, has been given financial support from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).

The family ran a butcher's shop in Darlington for almost 200 years before switching to farming full time 20 years ago.

In the wake of foot-and-mouth, Mr Snaith realised he would have to diversify to keep the 240-acre farm running as a viable business.

With help from consultants Strutt and Parker, Mr Snaith drew up a business plan in which he drastically reduced his sheep numbers, planted 40 acres of woodland, diversified into landscape gardening and created new stables and a livery yard - Brookside Stables.

The 18 new stables, in a barn-style shed with a feed room, tack room and hay storage, are complemented by an all-weather floodlit arena and a cross-country course with rides through the new woodland, to cater for all types of riders.

Mr Snaith said: "We currently have 16 out of the 18 stables filled with DIY liveries and we now employ one person part-time to help with the work, as well as safeguarding the job of our main farm worker.

"We have a happy bunch of clients and everything seems to be running smoothly. We already have strong links with the local pony club and next year we hope to run events over the cross-country course.

"There were lots of other stables being set up, so ours had to be the best and the cross-country course added a whole new dimension to the business. But none of this would have been possible without the support we received from the Rural Enterprise Scheme."

Kenneth Haynes, rural development adviser at Defra's Rural Development Service North East, said: "We are always keen to help farmers develop and diversify in their bid to address a market need, which will help ensure a sustainable future for their business.

"Brookside Stables was a project that offered more than just the average livery services. The cross-country course gave real added value and is a great new attraction for the area."