Twenty one Cumbrian wallers battled to rebuild walls at Friends of the Lake District's dry stone walling competition on Saturday (3 July).

The competition took place at Little Asby Common, (between Appleby and Tebay), which is owned by the Friends.

Local waller master craftsman Andrew Mason from Old Town, Kirkby Lonsdale was once again top man of the day, winning the Professional class for the third year running.

David Longrigg of Ormside, near Appleby was the Intermediate Class winner; Colin Harrison of Kirkby Lonsdale was the Novice Class winner; Henry Knowles of Docker won in the young farmer class (under 18s), and George Allonby (Penrith) was the best veteran.

Jack Ellerby, policy officer at Friends of the Lake District said: ‘We have some of the best dry stone wallers in the country taking part in our competition, helping to raise the quality of walling in Cumbria. It was a real showcase for walkers passing by on the Coast-to-Coast route who all stopped to find out about dry stone walling.'

Local MP, Rory Stewart, awarded the prizes and praised all the competitors for their superb display of skills. Thanks also to the Cumbria Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association for their support.

Local master craftsmen Steven Allen of Tebay and Ted Ellwood from Oxenholme were the judges.

Competition Results:

CLASS 1 - Professional:
First - Andrew Mason (Old Town),
Second - Edward Park (Crook),
Third - William Bell (Bowston).
Best Footings (foundation stones) and Cams (top stones) - Andrew Mason.

CLASS 2 - Intermediate:
First - David Longrigg (Ormside),
Second - Shaun Whelpdale (Carlisle),
Third - Bill Raine (Crosby Garrett).
Best Footings - David Longrigg, Best Cams - Shaun Whelpdale.

CLASS 3 - Novices:
First - Colin Harrison (Kirkby Lonsdale),
Second - Thomas Ashley (Manchester),
Third - Graeme Barnes (Dufton).
Best Footings - Thomas Ashley, Best Cams - Colin Harrison.

Veterans:
First - George Allonby (Penrith),
Second - John Gibson (Kendal).
Best Footings and Cams - George Allonby.

Young Farmers/Juniors:
First - Henry Knowles (Docker),
Second - Michael Todd (Longsleddale),
Best Footings and Cams - Henry Knowles.