In the pubs of Teesdale, they still talk about the day Willie Whitelaw shot his host in the backside.

In 1984, the then deputy prime minister, later to become Viscount Whitelaw was part of a shooting party, hosted by Sir Joseph Nickerson, the seed magnate from Middleton-in-Teesdale, who had shooting rights on the moor.

The Tory grandee tripped while holding a loaded gun and peppered Sir Joseph in the backside.

The moor, which is renowned as Britain's best grouse moor, has seen its fair share of famous visitors.

Over the years, they have included King Juan Carlos of Spain, US president John F Kennedy, Prince Charles, Edward VII, the novelist Wilbur Smith, footballer Paulo Di Canio, Nick Mason, of Pink Floyd, and members of the Dutch royal family.

Norman Tebbit visited to shoot in the 1980s and sent his game down to London to be cooked at Rules Restaurant.

When shooting rights for the moor were advertised in 2003 it was even rumoured Madonna and Guy Ritchie were interested in acquiring it.

However, the new owner, Michael Cannon, sees the moor not just as a playground for the rich and famous, but as a vital part of the local economy.

He said: "The purchase of Wemmergill Moor gives me the ability to liaise with the tenant farmers and their families to ensure that they have a secure future in agriculture, while working hand in hand to further improve grouse moor management.

"I have witnessed the benefits of moorland regeneration, and firmly believe that sustainable management of Wemmergill as a whole enterprise is the way forward.

"Grouse shooting in England is an important rural industry that benefits the local economy to the tune of £12.5m."

However, he has recognised the importance of the moor's heritage and is helping with a local Heritage Initiative Grant so Lunedale Community Association can research the history of the estate.

It will look at the area's wildlife heritage, lead mining and quarrying industries and the changing face of upland agriculture.

Local historian Irene Stoddart said: "There is a great interest in the history of the place and it's going to be interesting look back in time and see how the things were."

She and her husband, Ion, both farm at Wemmergill Hall Farm, which has also diversified into bed and breakfast.

The pair both hope the purchase of the moor will help provide a future for them and more importantly their son, Alan.

Workers on the moor, and occasionally shooting parties, stay at the bed and breakfast and Alan has been working on the regeneration of the moor.

Mr Stoddart Senior said: "This gives young people opportunities in the dale.

"It's a small community and we want to keep it as healthy as we can, because farming's not for the faint-hearted."