MORE than 30 drystone wall builders and hedge layers took up the challenge to show off their traditional country skills at a North-East nature reserve at the weekend.

The County Durham Hedgerow Partnership's eighth annual competition at the Durham Wildlife Trust's Rainton Meadows Local Nature Reserve, near Houghton-le-Spring, attracted both novices and professionals. They were challenged to build a 20- metre wall and tackle a 75- metre hedge.

Mike Wade, of Mindrum, Northumberland, won the open class in hedgelaying, with David Barker from Uttoxeter winning the intermediate class, and James Mason, from Crook, the novice class.

The best re-growth and best axework prizes went to Andrew Holding, of Stoke-on-Trent, while the "best job on the worst length" went to Burt Hunter, of Knitsley, near Consett.

The competition was judged by Clive Matthews, of Leicestershire, and stewarded by Andrew Adams, of Iveston.

In the drystone wall competition, David Leedale of Richmond, North Yorkshire, won the open class, Tony Robinson, of Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield won the intermediate, and Mr G Leng, of West Auckland, won the novice class.

In total, 14 hedgelayers and 19 wall builders took part in the event, which was organised by Tyne Tees Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Hedgerow Partnership.

Durham County Council funded the event and Dunhouse Quarry supplied the stone.