AN extra 4,000 visitors a year are expected at a farm and campsite in Bewdley after it received a grant of more than £34,000.

Bosses at Hopleys, off Cleobury Road, have said the money will also increase their yearly turnover by £50,000, create two full-time jobs and also up to eight seasonal jobs.

The grant from LEADER has gone towards paying for a new pavilion at Hopley's - which has a licenced bar, catering facilities and will host live music events.

Originally a fruit farm, the Hopleys site was converted to a camping and caravan site 13 years ago. It can accommodate up to 100 caravans/tents requiring electric hook ups and an additional 100 tents which do not require electric hook ups.

In addition, the site also has four Native American Tipis, a Yurt, a Bell Tent Village and a Shepherd's Hut - all of which are hired out during the season.

The site hosts a popular music festival in June which features acts from local schools and colleges.

Hopleys also has a farm shop, cafe and fishing pool, which are rented out and operated by different businesses.

Owner, Justin Hopley, said: "Thanks to LEADER we have been able to provide a major, new facility for our visitors years earlier than we would have been able without the financial assistance from the programme.

"We also anticipate it will increase the number of tourists visiting the site by 4,000 per annum - 2,5000 being visitors staying two nights or more, and 1,500 being day visitors."

LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England and is delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Action Group on behalf of Defra.