Richard relishes life on animal farm

And during his 20 years there he found love, worked his way up to running the farm village and coped with a foot and mouth outbreak.

His time there has also seen Hatton Country World become the second most popular attraction in Warwickshire.

Richard, who grew up on his father’s mixed beef, sheep and arable farm in Lapworth, soon became interested in the estate’s animals and the farm village and his manager role evolved from there.

He said: “Twenty years ago, Hatton established a rare breeds farm, which is still one of only 20 centres in the UK looking after endangered British farm animals.

“I started off running sheep-dog displays, milking cows and feeding calves and it grew from there.

“We had 35,000 visitors the first year and today we have 220,000.” It was at Hatton that he met his wife Jane, who was assistant manager at the site’s restaurant, and the couple have two boys, George, aged 10, and Henry, seven.

“After foot and mouth ten years ago we had to provide attractions other than the livestock and the farm village underwent a big change in direction,” he said.

“In this job you’re always taking on fresh challenges – the village changes every year.

“I’m very busy these days organising school visits and birthday parties, exhibitions and special events, dealing with customer care, first aid, health and safety and staff appraisals for the 80 I’m responsible for.

“When I joined Hatton I never dreamed I’d have such a fantastic job which combines my love of animals with meeting the public and ensuring it all runs smoothly.

“I feel we’ve achieved a lot here and I’m looking forward to the next 20 years.”