A FARM diversification business has resulted in a second off-shoot enterprise for a Yorkshire Wolds family.

After transforming their farm Hunmanby Grange into Wold Top Brewery, Tom and Gill Mellor found themselves hosting a series of events at the picturesque site, from charity fundraisers to music festivals.

When they hosted their first wedding in 2012, with "amazing" feedback about the venue, facilities and location, the family decided to launch a new business so more people could enjoy the Wold Top experience.

Last year Muddy Souls Events was born, with the venture now vying to be crowned New Business of the Year.

Anne Duerden, events manager at Muddy Souls Events, said: "The strategy was to maximise the considerable assets afforded by the farm’s top of the Yorkshire Wolds location combined with Hunmanby Grange’s National Garden Scheme ‘Yellow Book’ garden and exceptional organisational resource to create a unique and totally flexible wedding and party venue."

After holding three weddings last year, Muddy Souls Events is now fully booked for 2014 with 14 weddings and parties before January 1, and bookings already being taken for 2015 and beyond.

Ms Duerden added: "Our reputation has grown through word of mouth, social media and attendance at our Open Events that benefit the local branch of the MS Society.

"Going forward, we plan to continue to develop our venue, learning from every event in order to keep working towards creating a perfect environment for parties large and small."