PROFESSIONALS and amateurs will be showing off their hedge laying skills at an annual competition that takes place later this month.

The Friends of the Lake District's annual hedge laying competition will take place on Saturday, February 10, alongside the A6, near Beetham, when hedge layers of all ages and levels will be busying themselves cutting, laying pleats and staking.

The event is part of a regional grand prix' of five competitions in the Lancashire and Westmorland style of hedge laying and has been run by Friends of the Lake District for more than two decades. FLD is working to rekindle this ancient craft.

Entrants are invited for the competition and should have some hedge laying experience. There are classes for novices, improvers, professionals and veterans.

Visitors are also welcome to watch the free event and will be able to park at the Heron Theatre car park.