Friends of the Lake District's 31st annual hedge laying competition attracted twenty seven competitors to Heversham on Saturday. Sunny weather ensured a good crowd see over 160 metres of hedgerow newly laid on both sides of the A6.

The top award in the Championship class went to Henry Kirkwood from Wennington, with Henry Knowles from Grayrigg winning the young farmers class in a strong field.

Jack Ellerby, Policy Officer with Friends of the Lake District said: "It was terrific to see young farmers representing over a third of the competitors. They are the future of retaining traditional skills in the countryside such as hedge laying and dry stone walling."

"Our competition brings more people into hedge laying in our local style, helps to raise the standard of work and leads to much more hedge laying taking place. In turn this helps keep our hedgerows healthy for wildlife and enhances our special landscape."

Hedgelaying competitor Damon Peacock made a video of the competition, which you can watch on YouTube. To see the video of the event, click here

Results from the four Classes were as follows:

Championship: 1st - Henry Kirkwood (Wennington) - plus Best Overall Hedge on the Day
2nd - Andrew Kirkwood (Endmoor)
3rd - Ralph Lee (Barrowfield)

Open: 1st - William Hodgson (Grayrigg)
2nd - John Hulbert (Leeds)
3rd - Richard Atton (Clitheroe)

Novice: 1st - Max Roclawski (Bramley, Leeds)
2nd - Craig Proctor (Selside)
3rd - Anthony Wood (Hale)

Junior/Young Farmer:
1st - Henry Knowles (Grayrigg)
2nd - Jack Carradice (Selside)
3rd - Michael Todd (Longsleddale)

Local men George Redmayne and Jeff Sedgwick judged. Thanks also to Heversham Hall farmer George Handley for his support.

Roger Bingham, Cumbria County Council Chairman and local councillor awarded the prizes.