An 11 year-old budding entrepreneur is already making his way in business by supplying free range eggs to a range of customers, including a Skipton hotel.

William Watson of Gillians Laithe farm, Hellifield, has started supplying businesses including the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, which is his largest customer.

William, a pupil at Settle Middle School, looks after more than 80 hens and hopes to grow his empire as quickly as possible.

He said: It’s a really good feeling knowing that visitors coming to Yorkshire are getting to taste my hens’ eggs! I’ve been looking after the hens for over three months now and decided we could do more with all the eggs they were producing.

“I asked around local businesses and discovered that they were keen to use local suppliers and the business grew from there. Farming is definitely something I want to continue with.”

William looks after the welfare of the birds himself, including cleaning them out, feeding them and collecting the eggs William said the welfare of the hens was the secret of producing tasty eggs.

He said: “I love working with the hens and really enjoy looking after them.

“I give them lots of cuddles and attention and they really like that.”

Karen Weaving, owner of Rendezvous Hotel, said: “We use as much local produce as possible and William’s eggs are first class.

“His business is as professional as any I’ve come across and he’s a joy to work with.

“I hope we will continue to be a customer of William’s for many more years to come.”