AN AWARD-WINNING dairy farm is now home to an impressive new equestrian centre, offering livery stables for up to 90 horses.

Robin and Pat Dickson have farmed the 278-acre Upsall Grange Farm, Nunthorpe, since 1969 and the dairy herd, well known on the showfield, also did well in herd competitions, but major setbacks in the dairy industry and the downturn in milk prices made them decide to switch direction.

The last of the herd was sold off in October 2002 and the couple decided to develop the livery side, which had operated on a smaller scale since November 2000.

The first stables were built in October 2000 and attracted riders from as young as seven upwards.

Today, they have expanded from 44 spacious livery stables to 90 and offer a wide range of other top-class equestrian facilities, including an indoor school, complete with new show jumps; a dressage arena; an all-weather ride/gallop with a two-furlong flat oval track and a 2-furlong hill track, as well as a cross country course with water complex, catering for both novice and experienced riders.

The project was largely funded by private investment, but also attracted a significant grant from the Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme, which helps farmers develop new business opportunities.

Mrs Dickson said the idea was to offer a wide range of facilities in one place, which catered for riders of all ages and abilities and individual needs.

"People can keep their horses in our stables, while being able to make use of facilities such as the indoor school and cross country course, which allows them to explore the local countryside," she said.

The farm still owns some cattle and sheep and land is used to grow hay for the livery yard, as well as cereals.

The centre is now fully operational and has safeguarded the jobs of the Dicksons and their son, Richard, as well as having the potential to create further jobs.

The couple hope the new facilities will attract more individual riders, as well as riding clubs looking to hire the facilities.

A number of people have already expressed an interest in the centre, with inquiries coming from as far afield as Whitby. It has also attracted eventing horses and racehorses, which have used the all-weather gallop.

When they first looked into expanding the equestrian side of the business, the family discovered a minefield of legal issues which threatened to jeopardise the project. However, they contacted Business Link which provided hands-on advice and encouragement which helped them take the project forward.

Neil Thompson, account manager at Business Link, has worked closely with the couple since October 2002 and has helped them in a number of areas such as identifying suitable funding for the capital spend.

Through the subsidised consultancy programme, he was able to bring in Bill Heaviside, a specialist consultant with both a rural and financial background, who has advised on a number of issues and completed the successful Defra application on the Dicksons' behalf.

"The support we have had from Business Link has been essential to the completion of the project," said Mr Dickson. "We wouldn't be where we are today if Neil hadn't be on hand to help us work through the legal red tape, bring in specialist support and offer advice and guidance."

Mr Thompson was pleased to have been able to help the family. "Business Link recognises the importance of rural businesses within the local economy and is keen to provide them with access to the business support services and any appropriate funding," he said.

Business Link can be contacted on 0845 6009006 or 01642 245688.