Problems recruiting local pickers has led a firm to seek planning clearance for on site sleeping accommodation at a mushroom farm.

Greyfriars UK Ltd has applied retrospectively for planning permission for the semi-permanent prefabricated bedroom at Greyfriars - formerly Wilgo Mushrooms - at its farm on Tanfield Road, Wath, near Ripon.

Up to eight pickers can be housed in the building. The farm has told planners it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract local labour.

And attempts at renting local accommodation has been unsuccessful, the company said.

Planning officer Mike Warden said the farm has set out a good case for the on site accommodation with a canteen, showers and other facilities already in place.