An air rifle range and holiday pods will be built on a Cockermouth farm which is expanding its leisure business.

Wellington Farm, off the Oakhurst roundabout, is owned by brothers Leigh and Hodgson Stamper and is already home to the Wellington Farm Cafe.

Leigh Stamper said: “We’re not doing dairy farming any more and are looking to go more down the tourism line, rather than agriculture.

“As we have been developing the cafe, we all thought pods would work. It’s something we have wanted to do for a while and are pleased it has gone through.”

Allerdale council recently approved the application for 10 pods, which would be sited next to the cafe.

Mr Stamper added: “They’re not just camping pods, they’re en suite with all the facilities.

“We’re not sure yet when they will be open, we want to take our time and get it right.”

The council has also approved an application by Cockermouth gun shop owner Mark Wilson for an air rifle range.

Mr Wilson owns Aim-Point in Old Kings Arm Lane, Cockermouth.

Work has started on building the range on half an acre of grazing land. It will have about 80 targets which will be resetting.

Mr Stamper added: “I grew up being able to shoot, it’s a great participation sport.”

The Stamper family stopped dairy farming more than three years ago. They have developed a cafe, ice cream shop and children’s play area.

He said: “I’m really enjoying it, it’s nice seeing people coming up here and enjoying themselves.”

“If we can do a bit to bring trade into the area that’s great.”

Parkers Riding School, which recently moved to the farm, is also hoping to expand, and has submitted a planning application for an arena, stabling, hay and tack rooms.