AS the battle between 4X4 enthusiasts and the countryside continues, a new venture at Coniston Cold allows off-roaders to try all types of terrain without damaging the environment.

Just last week, the Herald reported how the county council is proposing to ban off-road vehicles from four green lanes in Craven in a bid to protect them from further damage.

But at the new Land Rover Experience, drivers can negotiate ice, snow, mighty gradients or raging rivers all in a controlled environment.

The off-road centre, officially opened on Tuesday, is the latest addition to facilities at the Coniston Hall Estate.

Covering 40 acres, it is one of just nine in the country and employs 15 local people led by Robina Farnell and Ronnie Dale.

The aim of the centre is to provide comprehensive tuition over a range of challenging surfaces. In addition, it can be used for corporate hospitality linking with Coniston's other attractions, including carriage driving, hawking, archery, fishing and shooting.

Bringing the Land Rover Experience to Craven is something of a coup for the Bannister family, which owns the estate.

There was fierce competition for the facility from hotels across Yorkshire and the Bannisters are delighted Land Rover chose Coniston Cold.

Michael Bannister said: "One of our main objectives was to make the estate viable and bring employment into this part of the world. Now the estate is, in broad terms, employing 100 people. Most are local and we are training up more people all the time.

"We were lucky to get the centre here as there was quite a lot of competition for it, but we think that, together with the hotel and restaurant, it makes a good package for Land Rover clients."

The centre's managing director Robina Farnell adds: "We offer visitors a challenging and rewarding driving experience where safety and responsible off-road driving are paramount. This is a very exciting development for the region.

"We have world-class instructors and the full range of world-leading Land Rover vehicles giving customers the confidence to really explore their potential.

"Whether visitors opt for a half, full day or more specialist training they will leave us with a greater understanding of the capabilities of these amazing vehicles and far greater confidence. Above all, it's fun - but serious fun."

For those lucky enough to be buying a new Land Rover they will receive a voucher entitling them to a free half-day course at Coniston Cold to show them just what their vehicles can do.

But the facility is also open to the public who can try out the vehicles and use the course for leisure or to enhance their driving ability.

For further information on Land Rover Experience contact www.conistonhall.co.uk or telephone Coniston Cold Hotel on 0870 2644459.