THE ninth annual Yorkshire Dales National Park Hedge Laying Competition was held on Saturday January 7 at Settlebeck School in Sedbergh.

Organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) in partnership with the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedge Laying Association, the event attracted 17 entrants across four classes.

YDNPA Head of Land Management, Adrian Shepherd, said: “It was good to see such a high quality of hedge laying in what has become a highly enjoyable and successful annual event.

“These competitions help preserve and promote the threatened traditional rural skill of hedge laying and it is particularly pleasing to see the skills being learned by the next generation in the junior competition.

“Hedge laying plays a key part in keeping hedgerows in good condition which in turn benefits the environment and bio-diversity as they act as vital wildlife pathways.”

The championship class was won by Peter Gibson, who also won best hedger on the field.

Open class was won by William Bell, while John Handley won in the novice class. Danny Hodgson was the best junior.