DRESSED in a red checked shirt, large braces and beanie hats, lumberjacks are usually associated with the forests of North America or Monty Python sketches.

But that stereotype is rapidly being brushed aside as a one 21-year-old from Wantage is proving.

Bertie Raines is hoping to make a name for himself at the upcoming STIHL Timbersports British Championship, a competition taking place at Blenheim Palace as part of Countryfile Live.

The rookie lumberjack will have to flex his muscles against other woodcutters in a series of gruelling challenges, which includes cutting logs and chopping down trees.

It may not be a traditional sport for a young man to compete in but Bertie says it is great fun, despite the hard work.

He said: "It started when I was at Sparsholt College.

"We all had an email sent round from Timbersports trying to get a few more people to sign up.

"I thought it sounded like a really good opportunity and decided to just go for it.

"But it wasn't easy, they made us go through a boot camp to make sure we were up to the challenge."

Mr Raines and his fellow rookies had to endure several sessions to ensure they had the basic skills needed to take part in the sport safely.

Now in his third year of training with STIHL, Mr Raines has got his sights set on success at the Rookie Championships and will take part in four high-octane disciplines testing his strength, endurance and technical ability.

He described his colleagues and mentors at STIHL as "one big family."

The self-employed tree surgeon added: "There is something really satisfying about working with wood.

"As a tree surgeon the skills I have learned from Timbersports have massively helped me in terms of health and safety precautions and knowing the best way to handle tools.

"I would definitely encourage more people to sign up to this because it is a test of so many different skills.

"I'm actually very competitive and I have just been training and focusing on the event in August in the hope that all my hard work has paid off."

Spike Milton, former British Champion and long-standing Captain of Britain's National Cup Team, has been working with rookies like Mr Raines since 2007.

The former professional forester said: "This is a really great chance for the rookies to show what they are capable of.

"To be able to have the championships as part of Countryfile Live will also help get the word out more about the sport.

"There is so much skill involved, it is not just about speed but also agility and strength.

"I think Bertie has chance here to do well and I wish him luck for the competition."

Aside from the championships, Mr Milton and his team will be on hand to demonstrate the lightweight and powerful cordless ranges by STIHL and visitors will be able to test their skills on the inflatable rugby tackle game.

The British Pro Championships will run from 12 noon on Saturday, August 6 and the Rookie Championships will start at1.30pm on Sunday, August 7.

For more information about the British Championship programme visit:countryfilelive.com/show-feature/2016-stihl-timbersports-british-championship