A BUSINESSMAN is hoping his new attraction will - literally - pull in the crowds.

Former recruitment consultant William Weightman and wife Catherine opened their Down At The Farm venture in July and have added a farm-style people carrier.

The 20ft-long trailer will transport up to 20 passengers at a time around the 20-acre educational farm, near Houghton-le-Spring.

The £9,000 trailer is fitted with an access ramp, which allows it to carry two wheelchairs, and is fitted with a roof.

The couple, both 32, were inspired to set up the business after three-year-old daughter Grace contracted a severe form of meningitis, which left her with mobility problems.

Since the centre opened to the public, an average 300 people a day have visited the farm, including meet-the-farmer trails, talks on how food is grown and bottle-feeding the animals, which include traditional farm animals as well as as red deer, wallabies and Highland cattle.

Mrs Weightman, a former marketing executive, said: "Despite the dubious summer weather, we have made a much better than expected start and the new trailer will really make our farm accessible."

Down At The Farm is open seven days a week between 10am and 5pm.