BRITISH farmers are well-known for their ingenuity when it comes to diversifying their business, but Brian and Diz Plank's Old Potato Yard at Manor Farm, Lydeway, near Devizes, has got to be one of the best ideas yet.

The yard has been transformed, with the help of the couple's son Nick, into an arts and crafts centre where visitors can choose from a wide range of gift ideas, particularly handy at this festive time of the year.

The first artistic business to start up at the Old Potato Yard was Smack Iron, where local sculptor Sefton Whorlow set up a workshop, creating uniquely brilliant sculptures from scrap metal.

His works grace some of the

grandest homes in the county, but are not out of the pocket of those seeking a different sort of Christmas present for a close relative or friend.

Then other business people came in, including Andrea Breach with Mipo At Home, a shop and coffee shop based in the converted dairy, designing and making hand-crafted furniture, gifts and homeware.

The ranges include tableware, wooden furniture, lighting, textiles and jewellery.

Especially for Christmas, there are handmade Christmas cakes and

pickles. The shop is opening until 9pm on Thursdays throughout December, with a special beauty and holistic treatments evening on December 11.

Horse Country, offering everything equestrian, opened at the Old Potato Yard by popular demand of horse owners and riders in the area, because there was nowhere close by to purchase

essential requirements, from clothing to feed. Partners Rosie Cunningham and Alma Fowle have been running the business for over a year.

During the Christmas period, Horse Country stocks a host of Christmas gift ideas for both horse and rider, as well as a tempting range of stocking fillers.

Buying a new carpet in a rural area can sometimes be tricky and it can be difficult getting everything you want. But Mike Mitcham has his carpet

supply business at the Old Potato Yard, offering his experience as a

flooring specialist in the form of a home selection service.

Now buyers can choose from Mr Mitcham's wide selection of carpets and other floor coverings in the

comfort of their own home and see

exactly how it will look when it is laid.

During the Christmas period, L&J Plants, a Pewsey-based family business, will be at the Old Potato Yard every Thursday evening in December.

They will be selling plants suitable as Christmas gifts, such as planted pots, wreaths, table decorations and door sprays.

The Old Potato Yard is not just called that for effect. The Planks have been farming for over 35 years, and their fine spuds are in demand everywhere. They supply to the kitchens at nearby Dauntsey's School where the cuisine is the envy of every schoolchild and parent.

You can either order by telephone or call in person to select your own sack for the best roasting potatoes anywhere around this Christmas.