A FORMER farm, which turned to tourism after a slump in the pig market, has joined forces with a designer craft company.

Thorpe Farm Peel House, at Greta Bridge, County Durham, was one of the last pig farms in Teesdale when it was forced to diversify earlier this year.

To remain viable, the owners, Barkes Farms, decided to sell its animals and open a farm shop, delicatessen, cafe and restaurant in May. It has attracted thousands of visitors since then.

Now the business has teamed up with Eurocrafts to strengthen its exhibition and fairs business, which will feature work by local crafts people.

Thorpe Farm Peel House will feature Eurocrafts' Designer-Maker brand, and specialist fairs, showcasing new products.

Director of Barkes Farms Paul Barkes said: "The quality of the work of local professional craftsmen deserves a real showcase in Teesdale.

"This joint venture approach, which introduces the Eurocrafts Designer-Maker brand to Thorpe Farm, will allow us to host even better events, with specialist fairs to be held on a quarterly basis from next spring.

"All this is designed to make the Thorpe Farm Peel House venue synonymous with the sale of the highest quality professionally produced crafts in the Teesdale area."

The farm will also hold its Christmas fair on Saturday and Sunday, between 10am and 5pm.

Eurocraft's Angela Colbridge said: "Thorpe Farm Peel House is a first class venue for Designer-Maker Selling Exhibitions and we look forward to it quickly becoming the venue of choice when buying high-quality professionally produced craft products in Teesdale."