A NORTH Yorkshire farm hopes to safe guard its future by diversifying into an industry.

Ings Farm, Yedingham, has opened up a small-scale quarry on its land with the help of a Farm Diversification Grant from central government.

Angela Morley, whose husband Ken owns the farm, said they hope to expand the three-month old family-run business, Morley Brothers, and this could mean more jobs.

"There is a possibility of more jobs if we can expand and sell a bigger volume," she said.

Son Paul, who is acting as quarry manager, organises the removal of stone. The farm deals in soft and sharp sand and gravel.

"The traditional part of the business was in decline so we opened the quarry to support our income," said Angela.

"Business Link looked at our farm, saw we had open planning permission and we decided it was a good way of diversifying."

The farm must pay a toll on each lorry load taken from the quarry and this will be used by North Yorkshire County Council to maintain Kirby Lane, a single-track road that leads to the farm.

Angela said it is hard work trying to break into the market but she is optimistic for the family business's future.

Furthermore, the move is a way of keeping the farm running for future generations.

"By keeping farms financially sound we can encourage our children to stay in farming and not move away," she said.

Ken, who oversees the operation, said: "If other farms see an opportunity like this my advice to them would be to take it."

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, September 13, 2001