A COUNTRY estate, which once belonged to one of the pioneers of the North-East railway heritage, is to be given a new lease of life.

Burnhopeside Hall, near Lanchester, County Durham, was once the home of William Hedley.

Hedley, born in 1779, designed one of the first locomotives, the famous Puffing Billy, as well as the Wylam Dilly.

Now his former home is to be redeveloped as a centre offering country pursuits such as archery, quad-biking and clay pigeon shooting.

The home is surrounded by lawns, a garden growing organic produce and 42 acres of woodland.

The present owner, Christine Jewitt, who was born at the hall, insists any plans would not "spoil" the estate.

She has applied to Derwentside District Council to change the use of the land and gardens for an activities centre for walking and cycling, the siting of a marquee for weddings, conferences and corporate entertainment and outdoor activities and the creation of additional parking.

Ms Jewitt said: "I am trying to offer something different. It is unique place. It deserved to be used and enjoyed.

"But I do not want to spoil it, and there has to be a balance."

There will be no physical developments and the garden area will be used for traditional afternoon teas with existing furniture placed around the lawned areas so that the "visitors feel they are still visiting someone's home".

Edward Todd, who will be running the proposed events at the hall, said: "There is a big demand for corporate entertainment in the area and, due to the fact that there are no other companies providing the same activities in the region, there will be plenty of business."

He said the company would cater for a maximum of 30 people at a time, with activities including raft building, orienteering, archery, clay pigeon shooting, lawn bowling and croquet and quad bike trekking.

He said: "We want to stay on countryside theme and all aspects of it, rather than being a rough-and-ready activity centre."

The facility will also be available for school parties and youth groups. The development will initially create four full-time jobs, several part-time jobs.

A recommendation has yet to be made by planning chiefs.