Friends of the Lake District's annual hedge laying competition attracted twenty five competitors to Strickley Farm on Saturday 5 February.

The best hedge on the field was won by young farmer Henry Knowles from Docker in the Novice Class. The top hedger in the Professional class was Andrew Kirkwood from Endmoor, following his recent appearance on BBC Countryfile!

Jack Ellerby, Policy Officer with Friends of the Lake District said: "Given the appalling wet weather everyone did a fantastic job.

"Hedge laying is so important in our area maintaining wildlife rich healthy hedges, which create this beautiful patchwork landscape of Westmorland."

Results from the four Classes were as follows:

Championship: 1st - Andrew Kirkwood (Endmoor)
2nd - David Whitaker (Ellel)
3rd - William Hodgson (Grayrigg)

Open: 1st - John Hulbert (Leeds)
2nd - Chris Alty (Carnforth)
3rd - Anthony Wood (Hale)

Novice: 1st - Henry Knowles (Docker) - Best Overall Hedge
2nd - Jon Oliver (Lancaster)
3rd - Craig Proctor (Selside)

Junior/Young Farmer:
1st - Michael Todd (Longsleddale)
2nd - Mathew Atkinson (Burneside)
3rd - Jack Carradice (Selside)

Thanks to Henry and James Robinson of Strickley Farm for their sponsorship and support, to judges John Woof and Frank Stott. Also thanks to the Station Inn at Oxenholme for a prize donation.