WINNERS fought off stiff competition at a dry stone walling competition held in the Lake District at the weekend.

Nine wallers battled it out for top titles in the Friends of the Lake District's annual competition at Staveley on Saturday (May 9) where 15 metres of wall was rebuilt.

Ruth Kirk, of Friends of the Lake District, said: “The judges really had their work cut out to decide who should be the overall winner. Cumbria boasts some of the most skilled wallers in the country and it was fabulous to see so many spectators coming along to learn more about this traditional rural craft which they clearly found fascinating.

“Inspiring a new generation to continue Cumbria’s heritage of rural skills is vital for conserving our historic and iconic dry stone walls. We’re sure our competition helps to encourage more young local farmers and countryside contractors to earn a living from managing the landscape.”

William Bell, of Kendal, was crowned top waller scooping a first in the professional class as well as best throughs and best cams.

Kendal's Jack Ellerby bagged the amateur/open class first, Thomas Kendal, of Grayrigg, was named novice/junior winner and Penrith's George Allonby got a first in the veteran category.