A LONG-forgotten farm shop in Mickleton is getting a new lease of life thanks to a pair of savvy business owners.

Husband and wife team Jonathan and Lydia Toney are developing the former Raspberry Corner Farm Shop, in Poden Lane, after the last owners left more than a decade ago.

The couple, who originally started a hanging basket business in 2011 and now supply restaurants in Stratford with unusual British produce, are hoping to raise £3,000 for the renovation work to the farm shop which is opening next June.

They decided to rent the three-and-a-half-acre plot on the outskirts of the village after failing to find land available for rent in Stratford to develop their business.

Mr Toney, who moved to Mickleton with his wife eight months ago, said: “Raspberry Corner farm shop was an extremely successful business and a real hot spot for fresh local soft fruit and we are determined to bring this back to the community.

“The people of Mickleton are really behind the project.

It’s another independent business for the community.”

The couple are reinstating 2,000 trees along with old varieties of rhubarb and traditional varieties of gooseberries.

They will also be planting some unusual British produce including elephant garlic and micro salad and are hoping to sell meat from rare breed sheep and pigs supplied by local farmers.

So far, about £850 has been raised towards the restoration through a recent fundraiser at The Kings Arms, in Mickleton.

The couple are hoping to raise £3,000 online with a kickstarter project and if the target is reached in 30 days, everyone who has pledged with get a prize.

To make a pledge visit kickstarter.com/projects/ 145884284/hoping-to-restoreraspberry- corner-farmshop.