A NEW country store and rural supplier is set to be the latest addition at the £3 million Rabbit Hill Park development.

Rabbit Hill Country Store will cater for the rural community, offering farm, equine, pet and gardening supplies when it opens next month at Rabbit Hill Park, on the A168 just off the A1 between junctions 47 and 48.

Store owner Katy Bielby, who graduated from the agricultural institution Harper Adams University with a degree in Farm Animal Health and is an animal medicine adviser, said: "As North Yorkshire locals, we know how difficult it can be for people to find the products they need at a place that is convenient to them, so we can’t wait to open Rabbit Hill Country Store and Rural Supplies."

Store manager Angie Johnson is a farmer’s daughter from Damby Whiske, who has worked in the country store retail sector for 16 years and prior to that worked in the equestrian industry for 12 years. Staff member Gordon Jackson, a local mixed farmer’s son, graduated from Askham Bryan College in 2007 with a National Diploma in Agriculture.

Ms Bielby said: "We are very passionate about animal health and care and are qualified and registered to sell a range of products that you wouldn’t be able to buy in many normal stores.

"Our farming background, experienced industry knowledge and links to quality local and national suppliers will ensure Rabbit Hill Country Store and Rural Supplies is the perfect place to stock up."