A CONVERTED blacksmith's workshop near Richmond is being offered to businesses for meetings and small conferences after a £35,000 renovation.

The smithy, in the grounds of Aske Hall, was renovated by Rural Solutions for Zetland Estates. The work took four months and some of the businesses housed in the nearby at Aske Stables are already making use of the new facility.

Now, Lord Ronaldshay has decided to make the smithy available to any business people passing through the area.

"The smithy is set in beautiful surroundings, away from the stressful environment you usually associate with business," he said.

"Meetings can be held in absolute privacy and in tranquil surroundings. Scotch Corner, the crossroads of the North, is just a few miles away and there is good access to Darlington station and Teesside airport."

Zetland Estates, at Aske, can be contacted on 01748 822000.