A CLAY shooting ground in North Yorkshire undergoing a major expansion has hired a new staff member.

Grace Nattrass has joined Thimbleby Shooting Ground, near Osmotherley, as shooting ground administrator, taking care of customers, bookings, lessons and more.

The business, on the 3,000-acre Thimbleby Estate, offers clay shooting lessons, as well as simulated game days, corporate team building and self-caddied rounds that offer a range of sporting targets.

Ms Nattrass grew up in North Yorkshire and then attended Sheffield Hallam University before heading to London to begin her career. She worked for leading estate agents Savills as a property administrator before a stint working in politics, but is now based back in her home county.

Thimbleby Shooting Ground manager, Philip Thompson said: “Visitors to Thimbleby just prior to the second lockdown will have had the pleasure of meeting Grace and will know what an asset she has already become to our team.

“Whether people are regular customers or are coming for their very first foray into the world of clay shooting, a friendly face to welcome them makes all the difference. Grace is also professional and driven, so is a fantastic member of staff to have on board as we make our vision for Thimbleby into a reality.”

The ground’s expansion plans have involved investment in the construction of a new clubhouse and the launch of the simulated game days. The clubhouse is due to be completed in January and will include a cafe, shop and meeting rooms, alongside space for people to relax.