The annual New Year's Day sheepdog trials at Moor Lodge Farm, Oakworth, raised £900 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service.

Thirty-seven handlers and their dogs entered the annual trials despite another day of harsh weather conditions.

Last year, thick fog nearly meant postponing the competition and snow posed a similar threat this year.

Carol Mellin and husband Albert organised the trials, which have been held since 1991.

Mrs Mellin said: "We got up at 5.15am to start milking the cows and we were blocked in up to the field with snow.

"Luckily, we were able to flag a snow plough down to clear it and lay salt, but for a few minutes we though we might have to call the whole thing off."

She added: "Of all the days of the year, it had to snow then!"

The trials were judged by Gordon and Ann Watt, of Sheffield, who appeared on the BBC's "One Man and his Dog" just before Christmas.

Jeremy Eaton, general manager of Craven Cattle Mart, ran an auction which had 15 lots, including five crooks donated by Ritchey Tag Ltd, Ripon, and framed pictures donated by Frank Yardley, Keighley.

Mrs Mellin said: "It's really nice the way people donate prizes for this competition."

There were 51 raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

The top prize was a two-day break for two at the Tan Hill Inn -- England's highest inn. The prize was won by Brian Fothergill, of Doubler Stones Farm.

He decided to pass it on to his eldest son, who got married in October but couldn't afford a honeymoon.

Mrs Mellin said: "It was a very successful day. We would like to thank Cobbydog, which donated 30 bags of dog food, given out as raffle prizes and as rewards to the shepherds and their dogs, and Ernest Ellison, from Stanbury, who managed to sell more than £100 worth of raffle tickets."

Mrs Mellin also thanked everybody who helped on the day and those who bought raffle tickets.

It was the second time the trails had raised money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service. Previous to this, more than £10,000 was collected for Airedale Child Development Centre.

The cause was changed to show appreciation to the ambulance service after a competitor collapsed at the trials in 2001 and was airlifted to hospital by the helicopter.

This year's results: Young handler -- 1 Philip Mellin, nine, from Oakworth, with Bracken, 2 Gary Pawson, 14 with Shep, 3 Katy Bolland, 15, Bolton Abbey with Whin.

Novice -- 1 Trevor Smith, from Hebden Bridge with Tommy, 2 Elaine Hill, from Oxenhope with Holly, 3 Alec Baines, from the Tan Hill Inn with Meg.

Nursery -- 1 Roger Handy, from Stainforth with Jock, 2 Ronnie Airey, from Trawden with Nell 3 Tom Lawrence, from Brindle with Floss.

Prize money, donated by Craven Cattle Mart, was split between the winners. Novices and nursery winners also received a picture, donated by Sydney and Gladys Bentham, of Oakworth.