The first Dovedale Sheepdog Trials took place at Ilam in 1890, which makes it the oldest trial in Derbyshire and one of the oldest in the UK.
This year's two day summer trials saw local and national handlers and shepherds displaying their skills in the beautiful pastures at Blore crossroads, near Ilam, on the Okeover Estate, home to Sir Andrew and Lady Walker-Okeover. Class winners included James Gilman, Will Murley, Mark Cury, Jim Cropper and Championship of the Dales winner Tim Longton.
Next year the Dovedale Sheepdog Society has been given the honour of staging the English National Trials, which will take place from 30th July to 1st August. As the saying goes: 'There is no good flock without a good shepherd and no good shepherd without a good dog.'
