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Countryfile plays host to One Man and His Dog 2019 as the best shepherds from across the British Isles descend on the Scottish Borders to find out which nation has what it takes to claim this coveted title.

Matt and Helen present proceedings from Bowhill House, as the best youngsters and senior shepherds from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland are teamed up in a bid to win the trophy for their country.

We also find out about the history of Bowhill House and its unique canine connection to rare breed Dandie Dinmont dogs; and how the River Ettrick, which flows through the estate, is at the centre of a project aimed at protecting declining numbers of Scotland's wild salmon.

Wales’ team is made up of brace competitor Kevin and youngster Erin.

Kevin’s got a long history with One Man and His Dog having first taken part as a youngster back in 1994 and going onto win the singles title as an adult.  

He’s also a master at the brace, having won the Welsh national brace title four times.  

He’s paired up with 15-year-old Erin, who is following in mum Maralyn’s footsteps as she also competed in One Man and His Dog back in the 1990s.  

She’ll be competing with Moxy the dog and has just won this year’s the International Young Handler’s Competition in Ireland. 

Brace competitor Alistair and young handler Tyler make up team Scotland.

Alistair only started trialling in his 20s, but his skills have since won him many trophies including last years Scottish National brace title.  

His team-mate is this year’s youngest competitor, 13-year-old Tyler. 

Tyler’s new to the world of sheepdog trialling, having only taken up the sport a year ago.  

She’s amazed that last year she was watching One Man and His Dog on her TV and is now about to make her own debut in the competition. 

England’s senior team member Katy is marking her return to One Man and His Dog after being the first woman to claim the title back in 1990.  

Her trialling success also includes being the first woman to lift the English National brace title.  Can she win again this year with her young dogs, Butch and Abi?  

Helping Katy try to lift the trophy is young handler Robert.  Robert’s going to be using his dog Lad, who used to belong to team-mate Katy’s daughter. 

Although Robert’s a new face to the competition, Lad’s already made an appearance when he ran with Katy’s daughter Henrietta four years ago.

At 69, John is the oldest competitor in this year’s competition - and also the most experienced.

He’s won a host of titles including the Irish National and One Man and His Dog back in 2015.  

With dogs Lad and Kate, he’ll be hoping to repeat that success this year.  

His team-mate is youngster Tara, who's watched One Man and His Dog on the TV over the years and this is her first chance to compete herself.  

Tara’s late father got her into sheepdog trialling and she already has a number of junior trophies to her name.  

Now, with Skye by her side, she’s ready to try her hand at one of the biggest trialling competitions of all.