A FARMER in the heart of some of the county's most picturesque countryside is beating the plight of the agricultural industry by growing lavender.

Nigel Goodwill's Yorkshire Lavender enterprise, in the Ryedale village of Terrington, is already so successful that he is expanding the operation.

Set in the Howardian Hills' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is one of Europe's most northerly lavender farms producing more than 70 varieties.

Mr Goodwill is planning to build an information centre for visitors to the farm and to give talks to tourists and coach parties.

The lavender farm has now been given permission to build a shop to sell its products.

"You can cook with it as well as using it around the house to keep flies away, and also use it for medicinal purposes," said Mr Goodwill.

He has launched a range of conserves - fragrant jams, jellies and mustards containing lavender grown on the farm.

The tourist venture is open until October.