A Carleton gundog handler was in the winning team at one of the world’s most prestigious gundog competitions, the Kennel Club Gundog Working Test, held at the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire.

John Halsted and fellow UK team members Richard Johnston, Andrew Fisher and Stan Payne, with their dogs, three Labradors and a Golden Retriever, scooped first place in the International Retriever Team Event.

They impressed the judges with their retrieval ability, both on land and in water.

John’s team beat off competition from some of the world’s most talented gundogs and handlers from Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: “John should be very proud of his team’s achievement. They all worked fabulously and triumphed over some stiff competition.

“The Kennel Club Gundog Working Tests showcase many of the world’s most talented gundogs and handlers, and it is encouraging to see so many different countries coming together to show off their abilities and the wonderful relationships they have with their dogs in the International Retriever Team Event.

“We hope John’s triumph will encourage other people in the Skipton area to get involved in the many fun working gundog activities on offer, which are all about putting a dog’s natural instincts to good use to work for their handlers. We wish John continued success in the sport.”

John was handling a Labrador, already a field trial champion, which is owned by Lady C Carter and has the Kennel Club-registered name of Asterix Aguzannis of Chatsworth.