A north Norfolk farmer has opened a dog walking park in a meadow near his home - a diversification project which he hopes will lead to new revenues.

Kit Papworth, a director of farming contractors LF Papworth, has opened Tuttington Dog Park, two miles from Aylsham.

He obtained planning permission in April for the venture, which was launched alongside his fiancee Caroline Culot, a former EDP journalist who works for property agency Brown&Co.

It offers a securely-fenced two-acre area for hire at £10 an hour for people wanting to train their dogs, or walk their pets off the lead in the countryside.

Eastern Daily Press: Tuttington Dog Park, near AylshamTuttington Dog Park, near Aylsham (Image: Steve Adams Photography)

Walkers have also been provided with facilities including toilets, a shelter and free WiFi.

Mr Papworth said start-ups like this represent one of the many ways farmers are diversifying their businesses to generate new incomes amid challenging economic times, which have left many struggling with high costs, volatile weather and subsidy withdrawals.

"When I started out farming, I never imagined I would be running a dog walking park on one of my most beautiful meadows which sits almost directly in front of my own house," he said.

"However, Caroline and I have talked about the concept for years and so it's incredibly rewarding to see it actually open.

"Starting up a new business like Tuttington Dog Park is not being done on a whim but as a consequence of realising we as farmers need to be progressive and look at different and additional ways of generating income.

“Caroline and I are delighted to launch Tuttington Dog Park enabling people to enjoy the peace and beauty of our meadow as we have had the luxury to do over the years.

"Although times are challenging, farming is still to me, the best job in the world - but we just need to be more imaginative and forward-thinking in how we can maximise our assets."