A DAIRY farm in Storiths which diversified to provide a caf and model railway 16 years ago has had its efforts recognised.

Buffers Coffee Shop, at Back O Th' Hill Farm, was opened by Keith and Pam Blackburn in 1989 when the future of dairy farming looked bleak.

The Blackburns' shop and caf was nominated for the national heat of the David Hall On Farm Development Award, given by the Milk Development Council. Unfortunately, it failed to win top honours.

The award scheme aims to celebrate innovation in dairy development and carries with it significant funding for future development.

Mr Blackburn told the Herald the award nomination had come as a bit of surprise.

"I didn't really take much notice of what it was about. I was surprised when I found out we'd been nominated for the national award," he said.

Milk from the Blackburns' pedigree Canadian Holstein herd is used in the caf, which provides homemade meals using locally produced ingredients.

The 90-acre farm is now managed by the Blackburns' son, Howard, and is leased from the Bolton Abbey Estate of the Duke of Devonshire.

As well as the caf, there is a model railway gallery displaying 500 locomotives and a shop at which Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol, Gaugemaster and Metcalf kits can be bought.

Buffers employs two part-time assistants and around 12 teenagers who help out at weekends and during school holidays.

Picture by Stephen Garnett.