CAMPING has come a long way since the days of struggling with tent erections in a Force Ten gale.

These days there's no need to sleep under canvas if you don't want to or zip up the sleeping bag around your nose to stop creepy crawlies getting in. Because the delights of "glamping" – luxury camping in fixed "pods" – are with us and a new company has just set up near Malvern.

Rosebud Meadow Glamping Site at Welland, at the foot of the famous hills, is owned and run by Rosie Clare, who has lived in Malvern all her life and swapped a career as a solicitor at a large city firm in Birmingham for the life of glamping. She also breeds numerous animals, most importantly rare breed Falabella ponies, of which there are less than 2000 purebreds world wide.

Ms Clare explained: "It is a small, friendly site that offers a unique slant on traditional camping. The facilities allow you to experience the full enjoyment of the rural outdoors from the comfort of a pod. The site has an impressive view of the Malverns and welcomes children and is dog friendly. Glampers love to look at all the animals that are in the fields. We even offer the opportunity to bring your own horse on holiday and with direct access on to Castlemorton Common, it has some of the best out riding in the country. It is the perfect place for corporate team building events, children's parties, or just somewhere to kick back and relax."