COUNTRYSIDE enthusiasts were keeping one of the traditional rural arts in the spotlight over the weekend.

The annual hedge-laying competition for North Yorkshire has been running for ten years.

The rain held off yesterday as competitors created hedges by the York ring road, to the north-east of the city.

One of the organisers, retired farmer Norman Wetherill, from Northallerton, said: "Hedge-laying is an old rural skill, done differently in different parts of the country. The hope is that events like this will help keep the old country arts alive in this modern age."

Each competitor had to complete an eight-yard section of hedge under the eagle eyes of the judges.