ON A return visit to Brighstone, the 27th annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition arrived with its usual blend of traditional craft, skill and keen competition.

At Coombe Farm, with only a stiff breeze to remind visitors of a looming storm, 12 pitches were cut with 21 participants, including five teams making up the largest class.

Organiser, Tony Ridd, paid tribute to Peter Tunks ­— a former supreme national champion who died in 2019.

Attractions on offer included a Vectis Searchers metal detecting demonstration, Ralph Griffin's display of billhooks and tools, and a running display of static engines and vehicles from Vectis Vintage Tractors and Engine Club.

The four open competitors fought it out on the far side of the field.

No cutting-hedge technology was used ­— just good ol' fashion hand tools to tidy up those patches looking a little rough around the hedges.

Defending open champion, Phil Hart, from Lewes, was pitched against two Island regulars in Tom Murphy and Kingsley Hollis, alongside newcomer, Matthew Beard, of Sussex.

In a closely-scored class, Hart successfully defended his title, shading Tom Murphy by a mere two points.

Murphy had some consolation, winning the Peter Tunks £20 note award for the best stakes and binding, and also the Landscape Therapy Best Isle of Wight Competitor award.

Of the three Isle of Wight competitors in the novice class, Tod Carder of Hulverstone reigned supreme, with Tony Gillingham in second, falling six points shy.

In the large team class, the Tree Fellers walked away with both the Landscape Therapy Trophy and the W Hurst & Sons cup for the best hedge laid with hand tools.

RESULTS: Open class: Phil Hart 73, Tom Murphy 71, Kingsley Hollis 69; novice class: Tod Carder 65, Tony Gillingham 59, Shaun Grant; team class: The Tree Fellers 69, HIWWT Apprentices 65, HIWWT Staff 64.