contestants cut and slashed in their quest to be the national champion hedgelayer.

A winding mile of 15ft hawthorn hedge was divided into sections, then sliced, bound and weaved as the centuries-old craft continued a remarkable comeback.

Armed with axes, billhooks and chainsaws - the only concession to the modern age - hedgelayers from all over Britain vied for the title. Hedgelaying is a hugely important, traditional craft, which involves partially cutting through each stem along a hedge and laying it over at an angle to form a thick, impenetrable and most importantly, living barrier. Hedgelaying prolongs the life of the hedge, keeps it tidy and safe and increases its value to wildlife.

Each contestant was given a 10-yard section to lay in five hours. Results were judged on neatness, cutting and binding.