An eight-year-OLD boy from Oakworth is looking forward to the chance to show off his shepherding skills on Blue Peter later this year.

Oldfield School pupil Philip Mellin has been fascinated with shepherding and farming since he was two years old.

He has since perfected a sheep dog demonstration with his two-and-a-half-year-old dog Bracken.

Under Philip's instructions of whistles and voice commands, Bracken rounds up ducks and geese through a series of obstacles -- including a water slide.

His parents Albert and Carol have encouraged Philip to take an active part in life on their 170-acre farm at Scar Top.

Carol said: "You could say he was working with the animals as soon as he could walk. When he was just two he started to show a real interest in the sheepdogs and has just taken to it -- he has a real closeness with all the animals. He's always wanting to help out and is interested to learn how the farm runs. He's really dedicated to getting even better.

"Blue Peter are holding a demonstration for sheepdog skills by under 25s later this year, so we're hoping he'll be a part of that. It really is amazing that he does so much and is so competent at such an early age."

Philip gives demonstrations in about 20 local shows each year and is looking forward to taking part in some competitive trials.

His father Albert said: "Philip and Bracken have a special bond, they seem to work really well together -- they'll practise a bit but it's mainly that they're both so enthusiastic.

"It's Philip's passion. It does take a lot out of him and is physical work, but he copes really well."

Philip, whose favourite subject at school is art, said he wanted to be a farmer when he was older and added with a grin: "Sometimes it can be frustrating and it is hard work but I don't get nervous doing the shows, I just really love it."

Instead of a dummy, Philip was given a sheepdog whistle and at just 18 months he had mastered the difficult skill of using it competently."