It is a dog's life in this private paddock in Midsomer Norton where dogs can run free without any worries about meeting other dogs or even other humans.

Owner Steve Greenman ? who was born in the house overlooking the paddock, has named the land after his father Pip, and started the business during lockdown.

It is already proving popular with a safe and completely enclosed safe space for dogs to roam with bookings taken for an hour.

Steve was adamant he didn't want the paddock sold for housing and now the area, which looks onto the Midsomer Norton batch, has lots of games and toys for dogs.

He brought the land from his father four years ago and chose the name as a tribute to his dad who died last year.

Now the safe exercise space, which has even been given the thumbs up by the local dog warden, is taking lots of bookings, including one for Christmas Day, for a dog owner who wants to wear out their pet before tucking into the mince pies.

They have even got a regular booking for a dog owner from Bath who appreciates the fact the space is dedicated to them and their pet.

Steve explains how it works : " People book for an hour and get 50 minutes exercise time for their dogs, so there is no cross over with cars or your dog meeting another. The first visit you have an induction and then you get a key code to let yourself in. You have it for your own use, for you and your dogs only."

It has been doggy tested by Steve's own dogs, Spanador Lennie, and rescue dog Ed.

Steve has always had dogs but it was a perfect space for Ed, because they had no idea of his history when he arrived from a rescue pound in Cyprus. For a start they were told he was a Labrador.

" He might have met a Labrador once, " laughs Steve. " But it it is perfect for him. We didn't know how he would be with other dogs or how he would behave, so here we would just let him off without any fear of how he might be. "

It is particularly helpful to have a space during lockdown which could suit dogs which are frightened of humans or of other dogs, and especially good for those who do not recall, because with the secure fences there is no fear of a dog running off.

" Being dog lovers ourselves it is a joy to see dogs enjoying themselves. We have had dogs come here who have never been off the lead and when they get lot off for the first time they just go crazy, it is wonderful to see."

Steve is happy to adapt the space to suit his canine customers.

" We have a lot of regulars now but we also get new customers and because we want to make it inclusive, if a dog owner wants something we try our best to fit it in. One owner wanted a sand pit for instance, so now we have one.

"We are learning everyday in terms of activities for dogs but equally if you just want to come here and sit down and let the dogs off to to do what they want, you can. It is lovely and quiet. "

Steve owns the adjoining land and has plans to expand as and when he can afford it.

" We could sell (the land) for building, " admits Steve. " But what I say is that they don't make land any more, I am lucky to own this, once it is gone it is gone. I hope that there are a lot of people who like this just as a wild space. A lovely spot - a real wildlife haven."

Pip's Paddock Somerset prices start from £5 for 50 minutes. To make a booking please visit our website www.pipspaddocksomerset.co.uk or call Hazel on 07925 374933.