FARMER Neil Young came up with a blooming good idea when he decided to bring a smile to people’s faces.

For his acres of giant, golden sunflowers when in full bloom, the fields of bright yellow are a truly stunning sight.

And for the past four years he has made thousands of people happy - and raised thousands of pounds for charity - by giving the public access to his Field of Dreams.

This year the father-of-three, who farms at Crummock Bank Farm, Waverton, near Wigton, saw around 15,000 visitors flock through his farmgate last weekend to take in the breathtaking view that is a treat for the senses.

“I can remember the fields of sunflowers when I went to France at the age of 18 to judge Charolais cattle and they always make me happy. My daughters Evie, 12, Millie, 11 and Elsie, seven, persuaded me to grow some.”

The green-fingered dad, who runs a 230-cow dairy herd, grabbed his trowel and this year planted five acres using 80 kilos of seeds.

Already, Neil, 42, who farms with dad, Derek, having sadly lost his mum, Gillian, last year after a battle with cancer, has raised nearly £15,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), but this year has pledged the monies raised will go to Eden Valley Hospice and the Wigton Swimming Baths.

“Mum was so well cared for in the hospice I thought it only right that we donate to them,” said Neil, who says his girlfriend Marie Johnston is the power behind him.

“Last weekend was unbelievable. I have a 19-acre field for parking, and on the Saturday and Sunday, there must have been around 14 or 15,000 visitors. The tuck shop was emptied twice,” added Neil.

“I took 150 sunflowers down to the Westmorland Show this week for different stands. Probably this weekend will see the last of the sunflowers.”

He said: “I’m just a simple farmer with a big heart that loves to make people happy, smile and laugh.”