A HAT shop set up by a farmer's wife to provide an extra source of income has a new showroom.

Business has grown steadily at Pat Robinson's branch of Get Ahead Hats - part of a chain of hat shops run by a co-operative of farmers' wives - since it opened in 1999.

And on Saturday, Richmond MP William Hague and his wife, Ffion, officially opened a new showroom at her Staindale Grange Farm at Hornby, near Northallerton.

The success of the business, which was set up to provide an extra source of income following a drop in cereal and lamb prices, has surpassed the expectations of Mrs Robinson, and her husband, Geoff.

Mrs Robinson said: "I met the founder of Get Ahead Hats, Beryl Otley, on holiday in India and she asked if I would be interested in opening a branch in North Yorkshire.

"Farming was in a decline so we decided to diversify to make a bit of extra money.

"We are one of 18 showrooms and the shop has been so successful that we have had to expand. I now have 300 hats in stock as well a range of accessories.

"It's become a full-time job. The hats are taking over the farm. We have sold a number of the sheep and we now rent out some of the land although we still have some grazing."

The company employs a London designer to add to the range of hats available for sale or hire. Hat trimming and colouring is also available.

Mrs Robinson said: "My daughter, Anita, also works with me. We offer a friendly and personal service by appointment.

"The shop is not what people expect to see on a farm, we surprise people with the range available.

"Farming is a male dominated business and I think the showroom is something different and allows us a bit of glamour."

Two meetings are held every year with all of the Get Ahead Hats branch owners.

"We all get together and go through ideas and share our experiences," said Mrs Robinson."

The company caters for all age groups and is popular with people from across the Dales and Teesside.

Mrs Robinson and her daughter also attend hat shows, wedding fairs and ladies' lunches. The new showroom will also now allow groups of up to 30 to visit the shop.

Mrs Robinson's daughter, Anita Mekkaoui, said: "We get people coming along for big racing events such as Ascot and the Ebor. Next year should be a busy time for us when Ascot comes to York.

"There isn't really one hat that sells well, the stocks and the colours change every year. Hair pieces have been very popular since Victoria Beckham wore one at Buckingham Palace.

"We also sell quite a bit of jewellery and we have started to stock matching shoes and handbags.

"We usually hire hats from Thursday to Monday but we are very flexible because weddings are now held every day of the week and also abroad."

Hiring prices range from £20 to £60 and hat sale prices are from £29.95 to £300.

For more information or to book an appointment, call Get Ahead Hats call 01609 881346.