A SITE that only two years ago was a derelict old piggery has been transformed into a fragrant tourist attraction.

Husband and wife Steve and Anne Jaques have created one of Yorkshire's largest lavender and herb farms.

The 12-acre site of Deer Park Farm at Wintringham, near Malton, has been planted with five acres of more than 80 different types of lavender, ranging in colour from deepest purple to purest white.

Ultimately, more than eight acres will be planted and permission has been secured for a distillery to create the essential oils used in aromatherapy.

There are lavender and herb sensory areas for visitors, a tea-room and a shop.

The couple have also planted thousands of trees and shrubs on the site, which is just half a mile from the picturesque Wolds Way long-distance footpath.

Mr Jaques, who is the director of the Eden Camp wartime theme museum at Old Malton and chairman of the Ryedale Tourism Association, said: "The site was knee deep in muck and rubbish when we started. Its transformation has involved a lot of friends and a lot of back-breaking work."

He said the project helped to keep alive a historic tradition.

"Lavender has been gracing people's homes and gardens since time began and is known for both its perfume and medicinal properties," said Mr Jaques.