A NEW guide for gamekeepers, produced by British Association for Shooting and Conservation, BASC, is to be launched at the Gamekeepers' Fair at Shugborough, Stafford, this weekend.

It covers everything from contracts of employment, pensions and benefits, risk assessment, health and safety to sporting leases.

Jamie Stewart, BASC gamekeeping and wildlife management officer, said: "The Gamekeepers' Welfare, Health and Safety Pack brings together this information for the first time. It has been written by gamekeepers for gamekeepers and is an easily accessible guide to the minefield of legislation and regulation which surrounds 'keeping in the 21st century." The guide costs £10 - free to BASC gamekeeper members - and will be of interest to professional and part-time gamekeepers, shoot and syndicate captains and shoot owners and tenants.