THE nation has been given an insight into the great Northumberland tradition of sheepdog trials.

David Henderson, who farms in the Allen Valleys, was chosen to appear on BBC programme The Farmers’ Country Showdown on Thursday.

The episode followed Mr Henderson and his sheepdogs around the farm ahead of filming carried out at the annual Powburn Show, one of Britain’s oldest sheepdog trials, which are one of around 30 events staged as part of the Northumberland Sheepdog League.

Mr Henderson, who has had sheepdogs for around 10 years but started competing in trials seven years ago, said he was delighted that the programme was promoting his passion to people across the country. He said: “It was nice to be selected because there are a lot of sheepdog handlers in our area, and it was nice to have that chance to promote our area on TV.”