AS WELL as being an attractive feature of the Lakeland hills, dry-stone walls also play a role in managing livestock as well as their nooks and crannies being home to a wealth of wildlife.

Competitors from across the country took part in the Friends of the Lake District Dry Stone Walling Competition, but many locals took the top honours.

The event, held in conjunction with the local branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association, took place at Strickland Tenement, near Crosthwaite.

Martin Varley, of Friends of the Lake District, said: "We are really pleased so many people took part in this year's competition. It's very important this key rural skill is kept alive and events such as this help bring together locals who are the future of this tradition."

With nearly 3,000 miles of dry-stone walls in the Lake District National Park alone, and many more throughout the rest of the county, the Friends say the condition must be encouraged to promote the craft and protect the valuable feature of the Landscape.

WINNERS Professional Class: Andrew Mason - Kirkby Lonsdale; Peter Gibson Kendal; Ralph Lee - Barrowford, Lancs.

Improvers' Class: Tony Lowe - Burton-in-Kendal; Peter Cook Arnside; John Deans Grange.

Novice/Junior: Steve Heeling Kendal; Stuart Farish Ulverston; John Bolton Kendal.