RARE breed cattle and llamas are two of the more unusual attractions to be found down on the farm in Thornton-in-Craven.

After being wiped out by foot and mouth in 2001, John and Sandra Harrison, and Sandra's father John Dawson had slowly begun to rebuild stocks on their 260-acre Thornton Hall Farm.

However, the current climate in agriculture forced a rethink and resulted in an application to the Rural Development Service for a grant to help open the farm as a country park visitor attraction.

Now, after three years, the gates opened at the weekend.

Depending on the time of year, visitors could find themselves watching the birth of livestock or perhaps sheep shearing demonstrations. Mr Harrison also has a specially adapted all-terrain vehicle for safari tours.

Also finding a home at the park will Gloucestershire Old Spot and Berkshire pigs, a Shire horse, poultry, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Educational facilities have been provided, along with a caf and picnic area.

"I suppose diversification is the word here," said Mr Harrison.

"We had started to restock after foot and mouth but we've two children, Christopher and Lisa, and this will provide them with a better future than trying to farm."

A spokeswoman for the Rural Development Service, which provided a grant of £84,500, said: "It is a really good example of how adaptable farmers can be."

Anyone interested in visiting can contact the park on 01282 841148.

Picture by Stephen Garnett.