IT may already be famous throughout the country and even the world, but the Swaledale sheep still has some lofty ambitions.

The distinctive Yorkshire Dales breed could be set to bring fresh hope to beleaguered hill farmers, as part of plans to develop an eco-friendly alternative to fibre glass insulation.

The idea of treating wool with natural latex to create super-soft insulation for homes first emerged in New Zealand, but the concept is now ready to take off in Richmondshire.

Research into the four-stage process, which transforms wool clippings into rolls of thick, soft material, are being carried out by the UK Wool Board.

And Richmondshire is hoping to be top of the agenda when the country's first production plants open in the autumn.

The Upper Dales of Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Coverdale and Bishopdale are home to more than 140,000 Swaledale sheep - one of only three breeds in the country which can provide the coarse type of wool needed.

District councillor Andrea Robson, who has been championing the cause for the last five months, said the initiative would give a timely boost to the stricken local agricultural industry.

"This project is potentially very exciting for Richmondshire, as not only would it result in a green alternative to the fibre glass we're using at the moment, it could also provide a valuable source of income for our struggling hill farmers.

"With the price of wool at an all-time low, the income farmers get does not even cover the cost of shearing, so it's vital we pursue anything that could help them develop new markets, and in the long term help secure the future of our traditional rural economy."

Local authorities are keen to see a processing plant set up in Richmondshire and for the district to be the first to use the new insulation material in its properties.

A commercial partner is being sought to help run the proposed plant and Government departments, the National Farmers' Union and the Wool Board have been sounded out about possible financial aid.

NFU North-East policy adviser, Jonathan Birnie, said: "Anything that will add value to the wool market and give farmers a fair price for fleeces has to be a good thing and we're certainly keen on this initiative."