Farmer ditches cows for digging

A cattle farmer is giving up his herd to run a national academy teaching people how to drive mechanical diggers.

Frank Williamson, 44, will convert two acres of his farm at Longsdon, Leek, Staffordshire, for use by students practising their digging skills.

Mr Williamson says declining revenues have forced him to look for alternative uses for his farm.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has awarded him £23,000 to start the project.

It's been a dream of mine Frank Williamson

The father-of-five, a former member of JCB's Dancing Diggers display team, said: "Everybody can't make a living out of farming.

"It's been a dream of mine - a centre where I can teach the skills needed to handle construction equipment properly.

"There is a shortage of digger training centres, especially with land attached so there is ground to dig.

"I am a qualified instructor and there is a shortage of operators, so the centre seemed the ideal solution."

"A promising business"

Peter Loat, a Defra adviser in the West Midlands, said: "The great thing about Frank's project is that he's not only building what looks like a promising business in the countryside, but one that should help other farmers stay on the land by helping them supplement their incomes.

"The project will also benefit the local rural economy and help secure jobs in Staffordshire's tourist industry as students on his courses stay at local B&Bs."

Mr Williamson will begin offering the courses - ranging in length from one day to two weeks - in January.