A Guisborough farming family threatened by developers has become the "star" of a new hi-tech training package.

The Wilkinsons of Home Farm feature in software aimed at boosting health and safety.

Dr Ashok Kumar MP said the family's involvement highlighted their commitment to the community

The Wilkinsons' lives have been plagued by repeated bids to develop the farm by landlords Southlands Management.

A massive protest campaign was mounted in Guisborough and eventually the plans were turned down by the North York Moors National Park.

Now Home Farm, which the Wilkinsons have worked since the Twenties, has become a virtual reality scene to spotlight potential hazards.

As he launched the software package last Friday, Dr Kumar said: "The Wilkinsons enjoy tremendous support in the area and they give back to the community and I am delighted they are reinforcing this message."

As he prepared to see the work for the first time, 70-year-old Leslie Wilkinson said: "I am glad Home Farm is helping to improve safety. This is a positive move and most welcome after months of problems."

The scene features his young grandson, John Banks, on the back of a tractor, breaking all the rules and highlighting a potential hazard. The farm scene also shows pitchforks, cables, flywheels and other agricultural dangers.

Mr Wilkinson's son, David, said: "The software is very good. It certainly does Home Farm justice."

After the launch, youngsters from Grangefield School in Stockton showed guests how the software could be used.

The package was developed by Cleveland Accredited Training Centre and Dynamic Distance Learning. The product will be available in all secondary schools in the Tees Valley.