Image above: Hedgelaying Comp l-r back row Sally Capewell, Peter Gibson, Heather Swift, Jon Oliver, James Yates-Bell, John Handley, Angus Ellwood, Clarke Ellwood, George Harrison

Seven young ‘starter’ hedge-layers made up a total of 17 competitive hedge-layers who contested places in five different classes at Friends of the Lake District’s Annual Hedge Laying Competition 103m of hedge between them.

The event, held at Lowick Bridge Farm near Ulverston, on Saturday 18 January, was part of the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedge Laying Association Grand Prix series bringing together starters, novices, juniors and professionals to show off their skills.

After competing in five different classes, the winners were chosen by the judge, local farmer Gordon Strickland. The results were as follows:

OVERALL WINNER      Peter Gibson, Kendal

MOST IMPROVED       James Yates-Bell

SAMURAI SAW PRIZE  James Yates-Bell

CHAMPIONSHIP Class

 1st      Peter Gibson

2nd      Craig Proctor

3rd       Heather Swift

OPEN Class     

1st       John Handley

NOVICE Class 

1st       James Yates-Bell

2^nd        Sally Capewell

3^rd        Jon Oliver

STARTER Class

1st       Angus Ellwood

2^nd        George Harrison

3^rd        Clarke Ellwood 

Hedgelaying results winners l-r Peter Gibson, Angus Ellwood, James Yates-Bell, John Handley

Ruth Kirk, Friends of the Lake District competition organiser said, “It was wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters who took part. It’s so important to get young people engaged in keeping this vital rural skill alive and thriving. There was a lot of fun and banter during the day and I’m sure it wasn’t just the hot pie lunch which tempted them to take part!”

See more photos of the event on our Facebook page here.