FAR-sighted farmer Tod Bulmer is reaping the rewards of diversifying.

The specialist seasonal fruit and vegetable grower who runs Kenyon Hall Farm last year launched Northern Harvest on Leigh's Moss Industrial Estate to deliver fresh products to consumers' doorsteps.

Following a bumper festive period the new company received a visit from influential Sir Donald Curry, the man behind a widely acclaimed government report on the future of British Farming.

Sir Donald, who called for radical changes across the farming industry, was at Northern Harvest to see the sort of business he hopes to encourage.

His report called for more organic farming and co-operatives and urged supermarkets to sell more locally produced food.

Northern Harvest in St Helens Road was set up by Mr Bulmer and his wife, Barbara, with support from Wigan Metro Development Company and Coalfield Challenge. It is managed by Ed Woolley and their motto is "We want our customers to savour the best."

He has grown specialist fruit and veg at Kenyon for over 25 years and sold from a farm shop and farmers'.

He now aims to deliver a wide variety of fresh and organic foods and speciality products direct to homes and restaurants, giving people access to foods they wouldn't normally find elsewhere.