VISITORS to Studley took a step back in time at the 59th Hedge Laying and Ploughing Match.

The annual event held last Thursday at New End Farm in Spernal and organised by the Forest of Arden Agricultural Society, involved mighty shire horses and vintage ploughs.

Society secretary Sue Westmacott said the purpose of the match was to provide a showcase for the public to see how farming used to be, and is now.

She said: "There were 120 competitors from all over the country.

"It was a great day.

"We were particularly pleased with the seven entries for the modern plough class for the under-26s and novice. These young people are the ploughmen of tomorrow, and James Walker from Redditch was among the competitors."

Champion ploughman of the day went to Norman Baker of Earlswood who came first in the vintage tractor ploughing section. Guy Lock from Studley was also among the winners. He scooped the Thomas Crump Cup for Best Grown Hedge 2004."