Two old school friends have formed a new business dedicated to helping clients make the most of the great outdoors.

Chris Hattam and Hugh Vyvyan have teamed up to organise country sports activities for people who fancy doing some fishing, clay pigeon shooting or simply walking in the Lakes.

CHV Sporting will put together complete packages, including accommodation, food and transport, and the pair plan to make use of local businesses as much as possible.

They are targeting the corporate hospitality market as well as offering educational packages, all based in the countryside.

Leading business con-sultants KPMG are one of a number of clients that have been lined up for a team-building day.

Mr Hattam, whose wife Jessica is the daughter of Hal and Suzie Bagot of Levens Hall, said the business partners shared a passion for the countryside, which they were keen to share with others.

Mr Vyvyan is a professional rugby player who captained Newcastle Falcons to victory in the PowerGen Cup and skippered an England side against the Barbarians and went on England's tour to Canada.

After spending eight seasons at Newcastle, he has signed to play for Saracens this coming season and plans to use his rugby connections to help drum up corporate clients for the business.