<$>A NORTH Yorkshire businesswoman hopes to taste more success by expanding her award-winning fine food and drinks company.

<$>Julia Medforth runs Raisthorpe Manor Fine Foods from her farm at Wharram, near Malton.

<$>She hopes to increase her range of home-made spirits by introducing her own purpose-built distillery.

<$>The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has helped her apply for funding towards an £50,000 conversion of a redundant farm building to double production.

<$>Mrs Medforth said: "At the moment I have six huge vats in the house, which I use to produce our range of spirits. The development of the farm buildings will not only allow me to increase production but also claim my living room back!"

<$>She started her business two years ago using a recipe, passed down through her family, to make home-made raspberry gin liqueur for guests taking part in shooting days on the farm.

<$>The drinks were a huge hit and the range has gradually expanded to include fruit-based vodkas and gins as well as whiskey and port. She also produces a variety of liqueur-based jams and preserves and a selection of chocolates and gifts.

<$>Raisthorpe Manor products are now available through 75 local outlets. They also have a distribution deal with a leading national field sports magazine.

<$>Mrs Medforth said: "Like any new business, cash flow is the main limiting factor at the moment which is why I am applying for funding from Yorkshire Forward-."

<$>Dorothy Fairburn, CLA Yorkshire regional director, said: "Raisthorpe Manor is a great example of a successful farm diversification venture."