AN EXHIBITION opens today (Wednesday, October 9) at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen on the M6 motorway, on the theme of Rethinking the Rural Landscape.

The event sees "new and innovative ideas" presented for the future of upland, agricultural and hinterland landscapes in the North of England, by students from Manchester Metropolitan University.

This evening the family-owned services at Junction 38 is to host a lecture from 5.30pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts Stephan Petermann and Tom Lonsdale, and view the winning entries for the Royal Institute of British Architects' competition to find innovative solutions for rural housing.

Tebay Services, overlooking the Lune Gorge, itself offers a case study in how landscapes can find new purpose but remain true to their environment.

The business grew out of a family farm when the M6 was built through its land in 1972. Today, millions of visitors each year stop and recharge at the services, taking in the views as well as sampling regional speciality food. Tebay Services works with more 70 local producers, within 30 miles.

Brand director Danny Martin said: "As a unique business, in a unique place that evolved from rethinking the rural landscape, we’re delighted to host this lecture and exhibition at Tebay Services.

"We’re keen to see what the students have created and exchange ideas to help united communities and keep these remarkable places special.

"As the exhibition will live on to October 23, this is another great example of a motorway service area doing something different in a space you wouldn’t expect #artonthemotorway.”