NEW interest has emerged from potential buyers interested in Newton Rigg campus and dairy farm.

Meanwhile two organisations that have been based on the former campus site near Penrith left their buildings this week after owners, York-based Askham Bryan closed the renowned countryside college.

Both the Farmer Network and Cumbria Young Farmers Club who were given notice to quit their bases by the end of July have now found alternative accommodation.

But the News & Star/Cumberland News understands that the campus and dairy farm could be edging towards new ownership with potential buyers believed to be in negotiations on a deal to purchase them.

No details on those involved have been disclosed, but they are believed to involve at least one well-established figure from Cumbria's rural economy.

Askham Bryan are remaining tight-lipped about the potential purchaser, but in a statement said: "Askham Bryan College has received interest in Sewborwens Farm and Newton Rigg Campus; but we are unable to confirm any further details at this stage."

Sewborwens Farm was put up for sale through Savills Estate Agents for £5.5m.

The college's Beckside hill farm at Mungrisdale was on the market for £1.75m, and this has since been sold to the Ernest Cook Trust for an undisclosed sum.

A pressure group who have worked to save the 125-year-old agricultural college have said they would continue to fight for the remaining land after Low Beckside was purchased by the educational trust.

Newton Rigg Ltd recently launched 'NR Training', a new land-based training provider, which will see its first courses announced for a September start.

The organisation has also pledged to keep going with their campaign to preserve use of Newton Rigg’s campus and Sewborwens Farm for education and training.