“I’m delighted, they’ve seen sense”.

That was the verdict of racehorse trainer and farmer Mick Easterby on hearing the news that his application to build a theme park at New House Farm, Sheriff Hutton, has been approved.

Easterby has been keen to build on his new Facebook fame, and last November put in an application to construct a 50 acre park on his land a mile to the east of Sheriff Hutton in North Yorkshire.

“The kids need summat to do”, commented a smiling Easterby. “This COVID business has really set everyone back and it’s time for a new start and the theme park will bring exactly that”.

The park will be built around a popular confectionery product with which Easterby has become associated and one of the attractions will see the 90-year old dress up as a large sweet called "Willy Werther" and pose for pictures around the park.

Other attractions will be a Tractor Derby, pin the tail on the cow and a competition to eat the most Werthers sweets in an hour.

“I’ll still keep training the ‘osses”, continued Easterby. “But from now on it’s all about the park. If you bring me a packet of sweets you can have a free ride on the rollercoaster and I’ll be doing accommodation too with a 500-bed hotel currently in the architect’s office”.

The park will be opening in August and if you say the password, “Lair Of Lop”, at the gate you can have a free day pass.