A GWENT farmer is coping with the downturn in arable farming by teaching people how to drive a Russian tank. KATH SKELLON reports.

YOU would normally have to join the Army to sit inside a battle tank as it skims through woodland at speeds of up to 40 mph.

So when Usk farmer Alastair Scott offered me the chance to swap my high heels for overalls and gum boots and learn to drive one of the largest tanks in the world around the Monmouthshire countryside, I couldn’t resist.

The 56 year-old farmer, who runs Tankschool, is offering an activity day, learning to drive a tank across the 130 acres of woodland and rough terrain at Little Trostry Farm, Kemys Commander.

“I bought the T55-AM2 battle tank in 1998 in Poland and after training and completing the paperwork bought it to the farm on a low-loader,” explained Mr Scott, as he fired up the roaring engine.

“I decided to diversify about two years ago as you can’t make a living from arable farming, especially after the worst harvest in 80 years.

“People come for a good day out. We recently had a 14 year-old lad come for a day and it was great fun. You don’t need a licence to have a go. We take bookings from stag and hen parties, and I’ve found its popular with women.”

Mr Scott is now adding another unique experience to his school.

"I have just started to offer car, washing machine and computer crushing. People can either watch or, after training, drive the tank over them under my guidance," he added.

The tank carries four crew with the driver located in a hatch at the front.

Despite it’s weight of 42 tonnes, it moves around as easily as a rally car and can change direction in seconds.

Whilst it may seem intimidating with its deafening engine it’s actually a lot of fun as it manoeuvres along the open countryside.

Mr Scott, whose family has lived on the farm for more than 60 years and grows wheat, also owns Kemys Commander Airfield, which he built, and looks after several aircraft in an adjacent hanger.

Activity days cost between £80 and £120. For details log onto www.tankschool.co.uk

Tank factfile

The 42 tonne T55-AM2 Russian battle tank, which is currently in service, is 30 years old but underwent reconstruction 10 years ago.

It has an engine that produces almost 600 horsepower, the equivalent of 12 cars.

For more information go to www.tankschool.co.uk