DOG handlers, schoolchildren, gamekeepers and gun dogs joined forces on Sunday to raise cash for an ‘ outdoor classroom’ for Kettlewell Primary School.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group (YDMG) is behind the drive in what they say is a bid to educate the next generation about the beautiful countryside that surrounds them.

Competitors and spectators braved the elements for the inaugural Hector Kirk Moorland Cup event, which was held at Conistone and Grassington Estate, near Skipton.

The group’s co-ordinator Sonya Wiggins - who is the wife of the head gamekeeper of Conistone and Grassington Estate - said: “It has been a real pleasure organising the event and to see so many friendly faces turn up despite the weather.

“We have seen some fantastic displays from both dogs and owners and have raised over £3,000 for a very worthwhile cause, far exceeding our target.”

“The money raised today will help us on our journey to build a ‘forest classroom’ for Kettlewell Primary School.

“I am passionate about educating children about the countryside and hopefully the construction of this outdoor classroom will be the first of many in the Dales.”

The Cup comprised of a retriever test and a spaniel test with a total of 55 dogs enjoying the wet conditions and their owners competing for a wide range of donated prizes.

A sprinkle of flair was added by members of the current England retrieving team taking part and panellists from across the British Isles judged the competitors.

The bulk of the cash raised came from the YDMG’s ‘auction of promise’, where five separate grouse shooting estates from within the group offered gun dog training days on the moor. Further money was generated by a raffle, with a wide range of items donated by country sports sponsors

Since its creation in 2016, the group has tried to highlight what it says is the positive impact gamekeepers and grouse shooting estates have in the Yorkshire Dales.

The group’s members say that conservation of rural spaces is becoming increasingly important, and that the YDMG is rising to the challenge of educating children about the array of plants and animals found on their doorstep.

Initiatives including moor visits, open farm days and fundraisers are planned throughout the year to enable members of the community to learn more about what it takes to conserve and enhance this precious North Yorkshire landscape, they say.

The group was established in 2016 with the aim of highlighting “the positive environmental, conservation, economic and social benefits of managed moorlands.”