In the UK a shepherd and his flock are becoming rarer as modern farming practices replace old traditions.

At country fairs throughout England a new form of entertainment is delighting the crowd; and its ducks who are taking centre stage. Why do they use ducks, it is because of the size of the arena.

A big part of the attraction of duck herding is undoubtedly the Indian runners, whose upright stance has led to them being described as ''walking wine bottles''. Energetic and eager to please, they hurtle through tunnels and down slides in a closely-knit​ group before being driven into the pen. Once they are through an obstacle the rest tend to follow, but occasionally one will play up, adding to the comedy.

The dogs, on the other hand, are far more reliable and watching them respond to a series of whistles is incredible. Pure-bred collies are employed. Using four verbal commands: By (clockwise), Away (anticlockwise), Stand (stop) and Walk (walk forward).

The skill of the shepherd is to move stock as steadily as possible. The bond is the most important thing – you have to be the dog's master but also their best friend.