JUST half a point separated the winner from second place in a recent horticultural competition.

The 2016 Durham Hedgelaying Competition, now in its 18th year, was held recently at Woodlands Hall Farm, near Consett.

David Boyson, from Hartburn, Northumberland, used his 30 years of experience to cut a Midland-style hedge and beat last year’s winner, Peter Gibson, from Cumbria, by just half a point.

Competitors had five hours to cut one of the many styles recorded across the country, with their finished hedge having to measure at least 3ft 6ins high.

Mr Boyson came first in the open and cutting contests and is the overall champion.

Organised by Durham County Council’s Durham Hedgerow Partnership, the competition plays an important role in promoting the benefits and uses of traditional rural skills in the conservation and positive management of hedgerows.

County councillor Eddie Tomlinson, member for housing and rural issues, said: “Encouraging traditional country skills is essential to the continued survival of the county’s thousands of miles of hedgerows, and competitions such as this do a fantastic job in keeping these skills alive.

“Congratulations to David.”