THE 71st Annual Sheepdog Trials held at the Court of Gladestry by kind permission of the Watson family, took place during a weekend of very unsettled weather.

However, this did not deter competitors who, along with their working dogs, gave a splendid performance.

Amongst the highlights of Friday's trial were the performances of Pascal Bourdon from France with Vicky and Shanko Jones of Nantllwyd, Abergwesyn, continuing his recovery from ill health with his quality dog, Hemp.

Results for Friday's Trials (name of competitor, where they are from and name of dog).

Open South Wales Style

1 Roy Jones, (Llanafan), Fred. 2 Beryl Lewis, (Penybont), Floss. 3 Shanko Jones. (Abergwesyn), Hemp.

4 Pasal Bourdon, (France), Vicky. 5 Berys Mason, (Newbridge on Wye), Tess.

Novice South Wales Style

1 Roy Jones, (Llanafan), Fred. 2 Beris Mason, (Newbridge), Tess. 3 Venn Davies, (Newbridge), Moss.

4 Sue Little, (Norfolk), Bryn.

Local

1 Steve Watson, (Gladestry), Jess. 2 Viv Lloyd, (Gladestry), Sweep. 32 Sam Bowen, (Yardro), Zena.

35 Robert Watson, (Gladestry), Nell.

Parishes

1 Steve Watson, (Gladestry. 2 Viv Lloyd, (Gladestry).

Ladies

Beryl Lewis, (Penybont).

Results for Saturday's National Style Trials

Despite heavy rain showers, 76 competitors battled for the coveted open class. This was won by Welsh team member, Gerald Lewis, closely followed by last year's winner, Richard Millichap.

The Novice class and the first ever winner for the George Hughes Perpetual Trophy, was won by John Griffiths from Ebbw Vale with Drift. Mr Griffiths has supported the Trials for many years.

Open National

1 Gerald Lewis, (Llandovery), Prince. 2 Richard Millichap, (Port Talbot), Tweed. 3 John Griffiths, (Ebbw Vale), Drift. 4 Brian Pugh, (Nantmel), Bet. 5 Rob Lewis, (Newport), Crystal. 6 Eirian Morgan, (Tregaron), Glyn.

Novice

1 John Griffiths, (Ebbw Vale), Drift. 2 Will Jones, (Newbridge), Tib. 3 Karen Haker, (Llanbister), Mai. 4 Jeff Evans, (Tregaraon), Spot.

Ladies

Karen Haker, (Llanbister) MAI.

Under 21

Gwesyn Davies, (LLangammarch Wells), Moy

The trials committee would like to thank judges Philip Pugh and Ken Gwilliam, catering Ann Davies, sheep stewards Sam Bowen and Edward Haimer, time keepers John Wilkinson, Norman Evans, Diane Moore and Caroline Jones and everyone who helped make the trials a success. Proceeds will be divided between the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Wales Air Ambulance and St Michael' s Hospice.