Simon Whitehead, professional ferreter and author, is a man on a mission, a mission to keep the traditional countryside skill of ferreting alive, despite the growth in technology that threatens to consign this unique practice to the history books.

Ferreting is used for pest control and is normally carried out in unsociable surroundings and often in solitude.

At the upcoming Westcountry Game Fair however, Simon, using his informative arena demonstrations, will explain and illustrate why ferreting in the true sense of the word is fast becoming a more sought after figure in the countryside and towns of the UK.

Over both days of the event Simon will be demonstrating the teamwork required and the bond that unites the ferreter with their dog and ferrets and how it enables the team to become a part of nature as opposed to an intruder.

Of course ferrets can often be kept as pets and admired in addition to their working pastime.

To celebrate this the show will also feature Ferrets 2000 who, in addition to a detailed net making demonstration and handy advice centre, will be running a ferret show on Sunday, March 15.

Details of the classes and a timetable for the event can be found by visiting the organisers website www.contour.uk.net.

So if you have a ferret and you want to show it off, check out the details and become part of the show.

The Westcountry Game Fair will also feature an on-site clay shoot, British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) shooting school, BASC gundog scurries, terrier and lurcher Shows, archery, racing ferrets, vintage tractors and a tantalising live game cookery theatre.

New for 2009 a smallholders area with Somerset Smallholders.

The show is also full of countryside shopping – guns, fishing equipment, gifts, clothing, paintings, prints, food and much more. So why not come along and enjoy a full and fun day out.

Discount advance tickets are available by visiting www.contour.uk.net calling 01749 813899 and at the Shepton Mallet Tourist Information Centre.