DORSET hedgelayers competed at the National Hedgelaying Championships and helped to shine a light on the regional style.

The annual event was held at Chew Valley Lakes in Bristol, the European Green Capital for 2015.

It is the third time that the event has included a Dorset class and with 11 entrants this year, it is going from strength to strength.

This year the West Dorset Hedge layers who fought to get Dorset Style hedging recognised at the National were joined by hedgelayers across the county and South Somerset. In all, there were 92 hedgers across all nine regional styles represented.

Each competitor has five hours to cut and lay a 10 metres section of hedge in their chosen style. Judges said the hedgelaying was of a very high standard across all the regional styles. It was a very close competition between the Dorset Hedgers but first place was won by Edward Goodfellow.

Russell Woodham came in second, Jon Sibthorp was third and Robert Wood was fourth.

The supreme champion accolade went to Paul Matthews laying in the South of England style.

A spokesperson for the Dorset team said they wanted to thank all their sponsors for the support, including Mrs G Worth, in memory of her late father, Mr K Paul of Whitcombe and Melplash Agricultural Society for supplying team sweatshirts.

Sponsors for the top four places were Highwood Agricultural and Ground Care in Dorchester, Little Angus Butchers from Grimstone, Shoetrees of Dorchester and Pearce Seeds of Sherborne.

Dorset Coffee, Clipper Tea, Moores Biscuits and Ford Farms Cheese donated items for raffle prizes.

If you are interested in having a go at Hedgelaying, courses are being run over the winter. For further information email info@dorset-hedgelayer.co.uk.

Any hedgelayers who lay in the Dorset style who have won at local competitions and are interested in competing in the 2016 National competition are asked to contact Russell Woodham at info@dorset-hedgelayer.co.uk.

Sponsorship is also being sought for 2016. Contact Russell at the above email.

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