A WORCESTER farmer has turned to property development at the age of 65, thanks to a scheme designed especially to help farmers in the two counties.

A need to diversify Hope House Farm, in Martley, saw Barbara Kirby renovate a redundant 17th Century building for use by small businesses.

With the help of Advantage West Midlands, and its Redundant Building Grant, the £150,000 transformation is now complete.

The RBG scheme offers as much as 25 per cent of the overall cost of refurbishment or conversion of redundant buildings to rural farms in Herefordshire and Worcestershire only.

"I'd never done anything like this before - I'd only ever been a farmer and to get into property development at the age of 65 was a bit of a culture shock," said Barbara.

"The way farming has changed down the years, it was essential we did something to diversify and this was the perfect answer.

"Advantage West Midlands has been very supportive throughout this entire process, especially as it was all new to me.

Mark Pearce, Advantage West Midlands director for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "The scheme has been running since 1982 and has been proven to have a direct impact on communities by creating jobs and bringing new businesses into the area.

"We often see redundant buildings being converted into flats and apartments, but if we are to address the serious economic issues facing our rural area, it is absolutely essential we do everything we can to provide business premises and create a framework for growth.

"Hope Farm is a terrific example of what can be achieved, and credit is due to Barbara for having the idea and the determination to see it through."

For more information on the grant scheme, call Dorothy Coleman, programme manager, on 01432 260662 or e-mail rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk