Ribble Valley beekeeper's help for hay fever sufferers

Dave Rayner, who runs Ribblesdale Honey, based at Bashall Barn, has been inundated with requests with his first batch of 2010 honey selling out in just two days.

This year's dry June has resulted in a high pollen count that is proving problematic for hay fever sufferers.

Sourcing and eating honey from local bees has been a long established traditional remedy for hay fever. It is believed that, by eating honey produced by local bees, sufferers can desensitise their immune system to local pollens.

Setting up his business last year, Dave's production of honey was seriously hampered by the wet weather. This year he hopes to fare better and has spent the last 12 months building up his stock of hives and bees.

Harry Backhouse, who farms organically in Bashall Eaves, said: "We were delighted when Dave asked if we could have some of his hives on our farm – it compliments our organic philosophy and our green credentials perfectly."

Simon Barnes, managing director of Bashall Barn, said "Dave is a superb champion for bee keeping and we are looking forward once again to having his demonstration bee hive installed in our bar this summer.

"Getting up close to 60,000 bees through a glass screen causes quite a stir!"