A WENSLEYDALE shepherd is to represent England in two major sheepdog trials.

Richard Fawcett and his dog, Lola, competed in last weekend's English National Sheepdog Trials at Castle Howard, near Malton.

Out of a total entry of 150 dogs the pair were placed in the top 15 which meant they qualified to represent England in the International Sheepdog Trials in North Wales in September and in the World Trials in Holland in July 2017.

Lola is a three year-old Border Collie bitch and was homebred by Mr Fawcett’s daughter, Hannah, at their Croft Farm at Hardraw, near Hawes.

Mr Fawcett is well known for his weekly sheepdog demonstrations at Hayland’s Bridge, between Hardraw and Hawes every Thursday. Very popular with visitors to the Yorkshire Dales, these will continue until the end of October.

An estimated 4,000 people watched 150 handlers and 170 dogs move 600 sheep around the course over the three days.

Finishing late on Sunday night Jed Watson and Zak from Devon were crowned national champions after a hard fought run off against Friday’s winner Northumbrian Emma Gray and Tweedale Jamie, and Saturday’s winner Ricky Hutchinson and Sweep from Lancashire.

Jed and Zak lifted the England championship trophy and will captain the England team at the International in Wales next month.

Castle Howard Estate Director Josh Feakins presented the International Sheepdog Society trophies to the winners.

Also making the national team was Matt Watson from Healaugh near Tadcaster; a great achievement, having only just recovered from an operation which had restricted his practise in the run up to the event.

Local Chairman Alec Mosey said: "It’s been an amazing three days, the crowds, the dogs, the sheep, the weather– all perfect. It has attracted visitors from all over the country and been a great advert for Yorkshire. We’ve also raised a good sum of money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance."

Local farmer and Ryedale Sheepdog Society member, Bob Harland from Glebe Farm Pickering was runner up in the Brace competition with his dogs Flash & Laddie.

"I had a good run, the man who beat me was the in form Ricky Hutchinson, so I’m

pleased enough," he said.