A brand new venture promising lots of fun for all the family is opening in South Cumbria on Saturday 28 May.

Ducky's Park Farm in Flookburgh, Grange over Sands is a farm based theme park run by Donna and Paul Latham.

The Latham's already had a smallholding with sheep, pigs, donkeys and llamas and wanted to open a tourist attraction where families and school parties could learn about farming and enjoy themselves in a safe, friendly environment.

They investigated various business opportunities open to them and decided to apply for funding from the Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) which is delivered in the regions by the Rural Development Service (RDS) on behalf of Defra.

The couple were awarded nearly £40,000 towards the setting up costs, which included fencing the area, installing water and electricity, turning fields into paddocks and shelters, installing a children's play area and setting up a website. There is also a picnic area and a cafe called Daffy's Diner, which serves drinks and homemade cakes.

Now, after months of hard work, Ducky's Park Farm is ready to open its doors, and offers a warm welcome to visitors.

Donna, who is also to become a media star in the Autumn when she features in an hour long Channel 4 documentary about people who change careers in their forties, said:

"I've always loved animals and have wanted to do something like this for a long time. I was delighted to receive the RES funding, which went a long way towards helping us meet the initial costs of starting up our dream business. I am very excited about Ducky's Park Farm finally opening and look forward to welcoming our first guests on Saturday."

Gillian Hunt, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the North West said:

"More and more people are turning to tourism these days and the Latham's are lucky enough to be situated in a very picturesque area of the South Lakes, close to several caravan parks and holiday sites.

"Donna is enthusiastic and committed and has created a lovely environment for people to visit. Everyone at the RDS in Penrith wishes them well and hopes that the project will be a great success."