Ings sheepdog trials are sun-sational (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Ings sheepdog trials are sun-sational

3:38pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Shows and Festivals news By Stephanie Manley, Reporter

SPECTATORS from near and far descended on South Lakeland for a traditional day out watching shepherds and their four-legged friends at work.

The Lake District Sheepdog Trials were treated to glorious sunshine at Hill Farm, Ings, where a hound trail, dog obed-ience demonstration and a fox-hound and terrier show also featured.

The trial winner was veteran shepherd Thomas Longton, of Quernmore, with Tot.

“I missed one gate and got one wrong, but I was first to get the sheep in the pen, so it was nice to finish,” said Mr Longton.

“The sheep were young and quite touchy but we still did well. It could have been better but could have been worse.”

Also competing was Alan Leak, of Tebay, who has been attending the event for 65 years. This time he took nine-year-old Glen but was not so pleased with his performance.

“The weather is great though — it’s nice because it means the ground dries up. Last year it was wet and it makes a difference to how many people turn up,” he said.

This year, the 114th running of the event, saw hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the sun and entertainment.

Hillary Brown, of Carnforth, said: “I love the fresh air, the friendliness of the people and the expertise of the handlers. We often go to see shows like this.” Many people had come from further afield – such as Gillian and David Downing from Perth in Western Australia.

Mrs Downing said: “'It's my first time here and wow, just everything is good. We would look out for events like it in the future.'”

Results: 1st, Thomas Longton and Tot with 64 points out of 80; 2nd, L J Cooper with Fleet (64); 3rd, David Harrison with Ben (63); 4th, George Hutton with Connie (63); 5th, Arthur Temple with Zazoo (61) and 6th, J Jackson with Blackie (59).

Judge: Tom Livock, Broughton in Furness.