A NINE-HOLE golf course that was created as a farm diversification project following the foot-and-mouth outbreak is about to go on the market as the owners look to take life a little easier.

Kirkby Stephen couple, Alan and Carol Dinsdale, opened the fairways and greens in 2003. Now, after three successful years, they hope a family with the time and energy will take it on and develop it further.

Amy Gibson, of selling agent Edwin Thompson, said it was a rare opportunity to buy a golf course in the Upper Eden Valley.

"The golf course, in part, came out of foot-and-mouth and wanting to diversify," she said.

"The couple want to retire from the course and golf club and believe it would benefit from having someone energetic, enthusiastic, like a family, to take it forward to the next stage."

The golf club is situated one mile to the north of the town, on the road to Soulby, and is surrounded by the Pennine Hills and Mallerstang.

The nine-hole course is a par 35 over 2,896 yards and a four bay floodlit driving range is attached. Set in 53 acres, the sale will include a three bedroom farmhouse, a traditional barn with planning permission for conversion to two holiday cottages and the golf course with associated green keeping sheds and four-bay driving range.

For more information contact the selling agents Edwin Thompson Chartered Surveyors at their Carlisle offices on 01228 548385.