ORGANISERS of a sheepdog trial in Ilkley on Saturday are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather.

The event has been organised by the Silsden Young Farmers group and all the money raised will go to Branshaw School in Keighley, which caters for pupils, aged two to 19 with severe learning difficulties.

It will take place on the field on Denton Road, next to the Nell Bank Centre and will begin at 8am, and so far there are more than 80 entries.

Visitors are being advised that the field is on the left, just before Denton Bridge over the river Wharfe, for traffic travelling in the direction of Askwith.

Refreshments will be available early for hungry farmers and sheep dog enthusiasts. After 1pm many other stalls will open up. There will be a balloon race and a cake stall.

The event will include a Grand Draw taking place at four o'clock with many prizes - including a weekend break in the Dales and a colour television set.

Jill Burghardt, deputy head of Branshaw School, praised the young farmers for raising money for essential equipment for the pupils.

"Their efforts in organising this sheep dog trial should be celebrated as an excellent example of young people in their ability to organise an event of this nature," said Mrs Burghardt.

The Silsden Young Farmers organisation consists of members aged 11 to 26 years.

The money raised will go towards a £30,000 project at the school to refurbish the hydrotherapy pool.

Once the work has been carried out pupils will be able to take advantage of stimulation and relaxation equipment.

Anyone wanting more information about the event should contact the secretary of Silsden Young Farmers, Alison Bennet, on 01535 272993 or Mrs Burghardt on 01535 211650.

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