The wooden wigwams offer most modern comforts

Farmer John Whiteford of Borewell Farm, Scremeston, near Berwick, has won a £65,000 grant from the government to develop the project.

He already runs an interactive farm arts centre and restaurant called Pot-A-Doodle-Do.

The 12 wooden wigwams will have soft mattresses and heaters.

Mr Whiteford has also signed up to the government's Countryside Stewardship Scheme, aimed at preserving the area's natural habitat.

'Wonderful countryside'

Mr Whiteford, who runs the business with his wife Christine, said: "The wigwams will be ideal for those looking for an overnight or weekend stay.

"We are so close to the Sustrans route, which is already popular with walkers and cyclists, we're hoping we can encourage some of them to linger longer to explore the wonderful countryside around us."

Martin Price, an adviser for the government's Rural Development Service in the North East, said: "Mr Whiteford has already developed a thriving business, which proves you can successfully combine environmental conservation with business success.