THE best in traditional country skills will be on display at a hedge-laying and stone-walling competition this weekend.

The Durham Hedgerow Partnership is holding its fourth annual event on Saturday at West House Farm, Garmondsway, south of Durham City, to encourage more people to take up the skills.

Hedge-laying, the traditional method of managing hedges for stock control, also helps to provide a habitat for birds and animals, and is enjoying a revival in popularity.

Durham County Council's landscape manager, Richard Jackson, said yesterday: "While the pace of hedgerow destruction removal has slowed and hedges now enjoy a degree of protection by law, the general health of many hedges seems to be on the decline."

Dry stone-walling is in a healthier state in the North-East, but crumbling walls are still common.

Mr Jackson said: "There are many reasons for this, but it is apparent that, in some cases, it is due to a lack of stone-walling expertise.

"Competitions such as this one help to keep the tradition alive, raise awareness and encourage fresh blood in to the profession."

Spectators are welcome to watch the competition, from 9am to 4pm. Refreshments will be on sale at the farm, which will be signposted south of Coxhoe off the A177, 200 metres beyond Coxhoe Quarry.

Location maps are available by telephoning 0191- 383 4079.