Louth's first sheepdog trials for 20 years - view on video

By [cawhite]

IT WAS a case of the fast and the fur-ious, as the first sheepdog trials in the Louth area for about 20 years got under way.

The event, in North Reston, was organised to round up as much cash as possible to help nearby St Edith's Church.

Sheepdogs and their handlers were judged closely as their quick canines rounded up the sheep on a course at Hall Farm.

Organiser James Read said: "This is the first of its kind in the area for about 15 or 20 years.

"I am often involved in sheepdog trials, and thought it would be good to arrange one here in North Reston.

"I have my own sheep on the farm, and they're used to dogs, so they were ideal for the event.

"We want to raise money to help with the plastering in the church.

"I really want to keep a church in this area.

"It's been really successful.

The first sheepdog trials in the Louth area for about 20 years.

"We had people coming to the event from all over the country, including Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

"I want to arrange to have two trials a year if all goes well."

Lorraine Turner is the vicar of St Edith's Church and she said: "It's amazing what they are doing here to help the church."

Organisers of the event, Sally and James Read with their dog Jess.

She added upkeep was becoming more expensive, with the cost of insurance sky-rocketing because of regular lead thefts from church roofs.

Seasoned champion Jim Cropper, 68, has been across the world with his sheepdog trial skills, scooping top awards both internationally and at home.

He said: "Quad bikes are starting to replace the traditional shepherd because farmers look after thousands more sheep than they would have done years ago.

"The art of traditional shepherding is dying a bit, but we're trying to keep it alive."

Kim Gibson, 44, took her dog Buffy to the trials and was watched by her daughter Kate, six.

Kim said: "It's a very good dog trial.

The sheep are working well and we have a nice, flat, open field.

"It's a bit different for me as I come from Ripon, where it is more hilly."

Kate said: "I like watching the dogs. My favourite thing about them is they help us on the farm."