A FARMER has come up with a novel way of boosting his business, by adding an equine cross country course to his land.

William Blackburn, who works at the National Trust-owned Woolstencroft Farm in Lymm, farms wheat and potatoes and also has 90 dairy cows on the 200-acre farm, but has now opened a cross country jumping course in a bid to diversify.

Opened this summer, the farm, on Spring Lane, now offers 22 jumps over water and banks on a three-mile countryside course.

Mr Blackburn said he hoped that the income from the course could keep the farm at a traditional size.

Riders have come from across Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester to visit the farm, and Mr Blackburn hopes that it will continue to be a success.

He added: "We wanted another source of income and we have got some nice countryside, so we thought of a farm ride."

If you want to have a go, call the farm on 07976 280551. You need to bring your own horse.