A PROMINENT Dales business will celebrate its 20th birthday with a major refurbishiment.

Country Harvest – the combined gift shop, food shop and coffee shop on the A65 west of Ingleton – will close for one week from tomorrow (Monday) so that the development works can be carried out.

As well as giving the coffee shop a facelift, and making 'significant' improvements to customer toilet facilities, the independently-owned business is proposing a substantial investment in its food retail area.

“This will result in not only a brand new look, but also a much better shopping environment for our customers,” said director Mike Clark.

All the works will be carried out while the store is closed.

“This way, we can get everything done at once, in the minimum amount of time. We hope this won’t inconvenience people too much,” said Mr Clark.

Customers will be able to watch the development as it unfolds via social media links from country-harvest. co.uk.

The business, built on the site of a former derelict garage, was founded by two local farming families – Mike and Liz Barker and Richard Halhead – and was bought four years ago by Mr Clark and his business partner Gay Penn.

“The Barkers and Richard Halhead laid superb foundations for us,” said Mr Clark. “I believe we have not only continued their quest for quality, but we have also taken the business to a whole new level in terms of its appeal to the general public.

“We have just enjoyed an excellent year, despite the current economic climate. However, that doesn’t mean to say we can sit back and relax. This is an exciting time for everyone at Country Harvest – staff and customers. Our hope is that, with the investment we have planned, the business will go on to enjoy another successful 20 years.”

Country Harvest will re-open on Monday, January 28, and the official foodhall launch will be held on Thursday, February 14, when the public will be invited to a Valentine’s night celebration.