YOUNG sheepdog handler Matthew Carter from Delabole, and his dog Blue, proved to be a great team recently at a national competition.

Matthew, aged 14, was competing as the English representative in a class in which handlers up to aged 21 could take part.

Most of his opponents, representing Scotland, Ireland and Wales, were aged 16 and 17 and stood much taller than him, but he and Blue managed to win one of the three 'runners-up' slots, and came home with an impressive points score.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.