A DEMONSTRATION of duck herding using sheepdogs is to be main display at this year's Lakeland Country Fair.

It is being put on by Alan and Chrissie Bradley, from Crosthwaite, who run courses for people to handle sheepdogs.

Also in the main ring will be the traditional parade of Fell Foxhounds and Beagles and the tug-of-war between Broughton and Lowick Young Farmers.

The show prides itself on being a showcase for traditional Cumbrian skills and activities, so visitors will be able to watch demonstrations of sheep-clipping, stick-making, rug weaving, leatherwork, swill basket making, spinning, felting, fly tying, glass painting and poultry keeping.

There will be Herdwick sheep and Cumbrian Fell Ponies on display. Gary McClure will be demonstrating Cumbrian cooking and will be rustling up tasty dishes.

Among the competitive events are a terrier and lurcher and whippet show, Fell Foxhound and Beagle Shows, a family dog show, a stick show, senior and junior fell races, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling and a horn-blowing competition.

Instead of the usual children's sports this year there will be a children's challenge competition, with several challenges to compete for and prizes to be won in each age category. This will go on for much of the afternoon.

At the end of the afternoon will be the ever-popular Terrier Racing in the main ring.

Visitors can also try their hand at archery and children can enjoy fairground rides, a bouncy castle and donkey rides.

The show takes place at Torver, near Coniston, on Sunday August 20, starting at 12noon. There is an entry fee of £5 for adults (£2.50 for school-age children) and free car parking.

For more information visit www.lakelandcountryfair.co.uk