A DORSET man hopes to chop his way to the top at a cutting-edge games event.

Rory Trim is taking part in a thrilling lumberjack competition, the Stihl Timbersports British Championship.

It is taking place from August 4-7 and is part of BBC Countryfile Live summer event at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Rory, 20, works as a builder and lives in Wareham. He is a member of the Dorset Axeman and will be competing as a ‘rookie’. He will be among the lumberjack athletes who will be chopping, sawing and slicing at speed in the country’s fourth annual Championship.

Countryfile Live will give visitors the chance to explore every aspect of the British countryside featuring over 500 exhibitors, live arena shows, animal displays, farming machinery, outdoor activities for kids, food and craft stalls, and the best of British food and drink. Set to be one of the country’s biggest outdoor events, it will be hosted by the show’s presenters.

Stihl Timbersports started 30 years ago in the USA and arrived in Britain in 2012. It comprises six disciplines: the Underhand Chop, Standing Block Chop, Stock Saw, Single Buck, Springboard and the Hot Saw. Each gruelling event tests athletes’ handling of an axe or chainsaw and their skill with wood.

Lumberjack sports origins go back to 19th century Australia where foresters would compete outside work, putting their forestry skills to the test.

Spike Milton, former British Champion and British Team member, says the athletes will put on a great show for visitors.

He said: “Both technical and physically demanding, it is a marvellous sport to watch. The disciplines test the athlete’s ability to deliver both explosive power and accuracy while retaining focus to ultimately win the title and make the British team.”