Farmer and sheepdog hoping for world trial success

A determined Lancashire farmer and his trusty pet are hoping it will be a case of fourth time lucky as they enter the World Sheep Dog Trial once again.

Michael Longton and his faithful border collie, Rooten Brook Max, from Lancashire, is hoping to live up to his family's illustrious reputation in this year's event.

His great grandfather was an English National sheep dog trial champion, with his grandfather winning the same accolade five times and his father was second at the English National sheep dog trial five times.

He said there was a bit of pressure that came with his family name, saying the Longtons were not "so much given a dummy as a baby, but a whistle instead".

More than 300 handlers and dogs from 34 nations will be competing for the title at Huntington Farm, near Lauder, in the Scottish Borders from 16 to 20 September.

Longton, from Quernmore, near Lancaster, told BBC North West Tonight he was hopeful of doing well in the triennial event with his faithful Rooten Brook Max.

"I would be over the moon to win," he said.

He will face rivals from all over the globe but he will also be up against tough competition from his neighbours too.

Farmer Ricky Hutchinson and his wife Megan are also competing at the World Sheep Dog Trial.

Longton said: "Ricky is one of the best.

"We are the same age, and both went to Ripley St Thomas Academy together, so there's always been a bit of friendly local rivalry between us."

Fiona McMillan, Scottish president of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) and the chair of the world trial event said the skill was experiencing a resurgence.

"Sheep dog trialling seems to be taking off, which is so exciting to see.

"Not everyone comes from a farming background, and this is something that appeals to anyone who loves dogs."

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