An annual charity event could be under threat because of a new Government bill.

Sheepdog trials have been part of the New Year celebrations at Moor Lodge Farm, Oakworth, for more than a decade. But they could fall foul of the government's new Hunting Bill according to a leading farmers' union.

Carol Mellin, who has run the trials at her home with husband Albert, said sheepdog trials should not be restricted because they were not a competitive sport but part of a dog's personal development.

She said: "The whole purpose of sheepdog trials should not be put down as a competitive sport.

"You are trying to improve the natural ways and instincts of a working dog to herd and improving your dog's ability to bring it up to a standard required.

"The dog will work with a farmer as his right-hand man. It is like a finely-tuned partnership. The trials are an important part of its upbringing and without the dogs we would be lost."

Mrs Mellin added: "The bill needs rewording to make it clearer.

"We are been ruled by people who just do not understand this way of life."

The trials have been run every year since 1991 - except in 2002 because of the foot and mouth situation.

Proceeds from the events up to 2001, which totalled more than £10,000, went to the Airedale Child Development Centre. This year's total of £1,000 was donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service.

Rhian Nowell-Phillips, senior policy officer for the Farmer's Union of Wales, said: "It may seem bizarre, but the strict interpretation of the new proposed law could mean that since the sole purpose of sheepdog trials is competition it could be construed in some quarters as failing the Bill's utility test."

A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs denied this was a valid interpretation of the bill.