A farmer has swapped barnyards for boxes after opening a new office for his document storage business.

James Mair launched the new premises of his Box-it service on his estate near Borden, Sittingbourne, this month.

The company stores archives for various blue chip companies including solicitors, accountants and architects, as well as public sector bodies.

Mr Mair is the latest farmer to diversify his business, adding a new revenue stream to his long-established fruit and arable business.

He is now also Box-it South East managing director, having run the service in the region for a decade.

Mr Mair said: “Our company started 10 years ago as a farm diversification project utilising redundant farm buildings near Sittingbourne to store documents for companies.

“Today we have built a thriving business delivering a highly-efficient, secure document management service into all major towns and cities within the South East.”

On cutting the ribbon, the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Anita Walker, said: “It gives me great pleasure to officially open this impressive new office for Box-it, a company that is so obviously flourishing in our area. I wish all those involved much success as the Box-it South East business continues to grow.”