A SHEEP dog trial to launch the Fields of Vision land art project was held in the Stanbury field which features a One Man and His Dog artwork.

Last weekend's celebration of the project, which forms part of the Tour de France's Yorkshire Festival 2014, also took place at the artwork's viewpoint in Cemetery Road, Haworth.

One Man and His Dog was created by artist Simon Manfield, and was designed to represent a cultural aspect of the South Pennine uplands.

Among those present at the launch last Saturday (June 7) were representatives of Fields of Vision, Worth Valley Young Farmers, and community group Worth the Tour.

They watched farmer Ian Ibbotson and his sheep dog bring Mr Manfield's artistic vision to life by driving their sheep into the outstretched hand of the shepherd figure.

Henrietta Duckworth, executive producer of Yorkshire Festival 2014, said: “Not only has this project attracted great national and international artists, but it has also encouraged local people to get involved and now everyone can come along and see the art.

“We thank our sponsors Yorkshire Water for supporting this - and for making sure we’ve had the most excellent growing period. Let’s celebrate the rain as it’s a critical part of this work!”

Mark Turner, of rural regeneration company Pennine Prospects, said: “Fields of Vision is helping us to promote the South Pennines and really put this stunning landscape on the map. We're certain that these inspirational artworks will catch the eye of the millions of people who will be watching the Tour across the globe and encourage them to come and explore our wonderful area further.”

Bradford-based Keelham Farm Shop joined forces with Fields of Vision to offer a member of the public a chance to create a land art design.

Entrants were asked to draw a simple, bold design which, to them, symbolised Yorkshire.

At the launch, Keelham Farm Shop owner Victoria Robertshaw presented the competition winners James Ingham and Poppy Batch with their prize hampers.

James, who goes to Keelham School, took inspiration from the scenery and animals he sees outside his school to depict traditions of farming and food in Yorkshire.

Poppy, a pupil at Crossflatts Primary School, opted for a fun design based on the Big Bad Wolf nursery rhyme.

The Fields of Vision land art installations stretch along the Grand Depart route from Blubberhouses to Holmfirth. They have been etched into the hillsides using different colours of grass and various techniques like seeding, pitch marking, cutting, staining, and even cyclists riding in the designs with their tyre tracks.

The initiative is being co-ordinated by Pennine Prospects, and includes organisations such as the Worth Valley Young Farmers, Worth the Tour, local artists, and the Bingley-based Sports Turf Research Institute.