A farmer from Congresbury has come up with an innovative way to diversify his business with plans to open a swimming pool in a farm building once used to house pigs.

Martin Ford, 48, who owns Yeowood Farm at Iwood Lane, wants to open the eco-friendly pool and operate it on a 'swimshare' basis.

The 12 metre by five metre heated pool would be available for people to hire on a timeshare basis, with individuals and community groups being given the opportunity to book a regular weekly or monthly slot for the year.

He and his wife, Debbie, 44, came up with the idea of opening a pool after giving up pig farming and being left with a number of empty buildings.

Mr Ford, who has free-range hens and cattle on his farm, also grows miscanthus elephant grass on 50 acres of his land which would be used to create energy to heat and power the pool.

A special boiler would be installed as part of the development to burn the crop and produce the energy needed.

The farm also has its own borehole, so has an independent water supply which would be used to fill the pool.

There are also plans to create some office units in the remaining part of the former pig shed.

Mr Ford said: "We were left with some empty buildings as a result of our decision to stop pig farming and started to think about innovative ways we could use them and diversify our business.

"This is not a new idea as it has been done in other areas of the country and has proved to be very successful. People would be able to book out the pool on a swimshare basis and there would be different slots available throughout the day.

"We have done some market research which has revealed that people like to swim, but don't always want to use a public pool and cannot afford to join a private club.

"The pool would be available for anyone to use, whether it be community groups such as mothers and toddlers or individuals. We have already had some interest in the idea from swimming instructors who are interested in booking it out because they cannot get time at other pools.

"The Government is always encouraging people to stay fit and healthy by taking up swimming and this would provide another facility for people to enjoy."

Mr Ford is costing out the scheme and has put forward plans to North Somerset Council. If all goes to plan, work could start on the pool this year and it could be open by next spring.

Parish leaders in Congresbury have welcomed the idea and recommended that the plans be accepted.

Congresbury Parish Council chairman, Councillor Peter Sewell, said: "Councillors thought this was a really innovative idea. We understand that farmers have to diversify and this pool would be an additional facility available to the people of Congresbury and the surrounding villages."