GIVE James and Shirley Gaston enough rope… and they will make a terrific business out of it.

James and Shirley run Log Heights, the high ropes course in the wooded grounds of Ripley Castle, near Harrogate.

So successful has been their decision to open to the general public what was a corporate branding and team development course, that they are now pitching for both the Small Business Of The Year and the Tourism & Hospitality Business Of The Year titles in The Press Business Awards.

It was their corporate clients that opened their eyes to the notion that Log Heights and its high rope courses, Go Ape and Aerial Extreme, could be enjoyed by everyone as well as business customers, and their own market research pointed in that direction too.

So it proved, with the activity being the number one of 450 Yorkshire attractions which have received endorsement on travel website TripAdvisor.

Now the four staff at Log Heights have added a number of new activities, the zip wire has been reinstated, new safety helmets and harnesses bought and the area enhanced.

In collaboration with Ripley Castle, the Gastons have negotiated a discounted rate for their customers wanting to tour the stately home.

It also offers birthday parties “on a rope”.