The story of the Robinsons, of Warth Sutton Farm, is almost a casebook example of the way that tourism is helping to save farming businesses.

The only thing that differs slightly in the Crooklands family's history is that they had already decided to diversify before foot-and-mouth struck.

Christine Robinson said that the original plan had been to move into fishing, and perhaps offer food for people using the lake.

However, since launching in October 2002, the business has now developed into two fly fishing lakes; a small plant nursery selling mostly cottage garden plants; 11 pitches for touring caravans, primarily for fishermen; and a very successful tearoom.

Mrs Robinson said: "Through the plants side opening, people said about coming in for a cup of tea, because we did bacon sandwiches for the fishermen.

"My daughter-in-law helps me and we have a proper tearoom now. We have really not advertised anywhere and you would not believe how busy we are. It's been all word of mouth and it's just grown like Topsy."

Mrs Robinson said the decision to branch out was taken because her husband, Frank, had had operations on his ankles, and also because of the way in which farming was heading. Foot-and-mouth was another in a catalogue of difficulties for the industry.

Their son, Simon, already fished, so it was decided fishing lakes would be the best option.

The family still farms lambing 400 sheep and keeping 60 beef cattle - but they no longer milk.

However, the diversified side of the business now makes them more than their traditional farming although, as Mrs Robinson pointed out, they were still ploughing everything back into the business.

Without moving into different areas, the farming side would not have been enough for them, said Mrs Robinson.

"We have got to make two livings my son and daughter-in-law have two children and the farm would not have kept us all. We would not have survived as we were."

Although the family works long hours, and they are still investing in the business, diversification has helped to create a future. "In ten years, when we retire, they have got something to carry on."