GAMEKEEPERS are part of the traditional fabric of rural life, but the job they do and the contribution they make to the conservation of the countryside, is often misunderstood or overlooked, say the Country Landowners Association.

Now a search has been launched across the region to uncover the people who have dedicated their lives to the keeper's craft.

Organisers of this year's CLA Game Fair are looking for dedicated game and river keepers to present them with a special CLA awards for the sort of dedication which has helped create and maintain the unique habitat and environment of the British countryside.

Two types of awards will be presented.

Gamekeepers who have completed 40 years service on not more than three estates are eligible for the CLA long service award to gamekeepers.

The CLA Game Fair river keepers and ghillies long service Award honours those who have dedicated at least a quarter of a century to looking after the same river system, provided the individual is still employed on 1 February of the year in which they qualified.

CLA spokesman, Paul Millard, said: "Although 40 years might sound like a long time for anybody to be in one job, it is the nature of the people who take on this work to stick with it for life - indeed, for many it is a family affair."

The 45th CLA Game Fair, the world's largest countryside event, will this year be held at Broadlands, Romsey, from Friday 26 July to Sunday 28 July.