England National Sheepdog Trials in Northumberland
26/07/05

Northumberland is gearing up to host the England National Sheepdog Trials for the first time in almost a decade with the help of European funding awarded by Defra.

Competitors from around the country have been battling through local and regional trials to win a place in what is the rural equivalent of football's cup final.

Around 150 would-be champions will converge in the grounds of Alnwick Castle later this month (28-30 July) for the three-day event to compete for the coveted title of England National Sheepdog Trials champion. The top 15 will also represent England in the International Sheepdog Trials to be held in Ross on Wye in September.

It is the first time the national event has been held in Northumberland since 1996 and it is one of a series of projects that have been awarded grants from the LEADER + programme in North Northumberland and the North Pennines

LEADER+ is a European Community initiative, managed in England by Defra, that promotes dynamic rural communities and economies by funding grass-roots projects, conceived and implemented by the communities that will benefit from them.

Alan Blevins and John Brown joined forces to coordinate the fundraising efforts to stage the event, which will include a special "Northumbrian Showcase" exhibition highlighting the many and varied sites and attractions that make up Northumberland.

Mr Blevins explained:

"The Duke of Northumberland is vice-president of the International Sheepdog Society and was keen to support our efforts by allowing us to use the facilities at Alnwick Castle to stage the event, including his sheep.

"The last time the event was held in Northumberland was in 1996 and it's a real coup for us to have brought it back, so we wanted to ensure it was the best it could be.

"The £7,000 we received from LEADER+ was invaluable. It represented about half of what we need to stage the event and their support helped us attract other sponsors for match funding."

Neil Wilson, programme manager for Leader+ in North Northumberland added:

"We are sure that the National Trials will be a major success, the team that Alan has pulled together is working extremely hard on delivering a 'professional and inclusive' event for all to enjoy."

Visitors are invited to join in the fun to cheer on the competitors and tickets can be purchased at the entrance - £4 for adults and £10 for a family ticket. Concessions are also available for children and senior citizens.