THE wondrous sight of sheepdogs at work attracted hundreds of people to a corner of South Lakeland for a traditional day out.

The Lake District Sheepdog Trials were bathed in glorious sunshine at Hill Farm, Ings, near Windermere and also featured hound trails, terrier racing and much more.

Among those taking part in the sheepdog trials – won by Richard Briggs with his dog Bill – was Thomas Longton, of Quernmore, Lancaster, with his two-year-old dog Spot.

“The sheep were very difficult and very testing. I had to go and rescue one of them which went into the stream,” said Mr Longton, whose son Steve was the youngest participant on the day with Sid.

Another competitor was David Whitehead, of Edgworth, Lancashire, and Roy, six.

Mr Whitehead said: “Roy ran really well but the sheep were difficult, more difficult than normal. They are big fit sheep and they can run really quickly, but I enjoyed it all the same.”

Excitement reached fever pitch in the hound trails,where first and second place went to brother and sister Gentle Lady and Trebor.

Gentle Lady is owned by Charlotte Stobart and her mother Liz, of Kendal, Liz said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. She’s been running well and she’s only two-years-old so we’re thrilled.”

The event attracted international interest, with American pals Nancy Trusty and Deb Fabian enjoying the traditional Lakeland scene.

“We have never seen anything like this before,” said Mrs Trusty, of Minesotta.

“It’s amazing, wonderful just to be around the local people and see what takes place in this area. People really love their dogs here and that is lovely ”

And it wasn’t just about dogs – there was also Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, stalls and craft displays which captured the imagination of visitors.

l The Princess Royal will attend the opening day of an international sheep dog trials event next month. Princess Anne is patron of the International Sheep Dog Society, which is staging its supreme championships at Thrimby, near Penrith, on September 11-13.

Up to 10,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual three-day event when handlers and their dogs representing England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will compete.