THE 37th annual Friends of the Lake District hedge laying competition took place at Sunny Bank Farm, Grayrigg, on Saturday.

Nineteen competitors laid 129 metres of hedge in the local Lancashire and Westmorland style.

Ruth Kirk, from Friends of the Lake District, said: “We were lucky to have a beautiful, sunny day for the competition.

"What was so inspiring was seeing youngsters in the junior class working hard and learning from the championship experts, to become the next generation of skilled hedge layers.

"The continuation of this rural skill is vital as a healthy, well-managed hedgerow helps manage livestock on the farm, provides valuable habitat for lots of wildlife and is an essential feature in our Cumbrian landscape."

Results from the four classes are as follows: Junior: 1 Danny Hodgson, Paton, and Aidan Handley, Whinfell; 2 John Handley, Whinfell; 3 Andrew Bateman, Low Gill. Novice: 1 Karl Bell, Lancaster; 2 James Haigh, Lancaster; 3 Sally Capewell, Ambleside. Open: 1 Thomas Kendal, Grayrigg; 2 Craig Proctor, Selside; 3 Jack Carradice, Selside. Championship: 1 Peter Gibson, Kendal; 2 William Hodgson, Grayrigg; 3 Andrew Kirkwood, Kirkmoor.

Host farmer David Galbraith and David Knowles were the judges.