Sheepdog trial contest One Man and His Dog is to move to BBC1 – but will come to an end as a show in its own right after 37 years.

The competition is to be absorbed into the popular Sunday evening rural affairs show Countryfile, which has an audience of more than six million viewers.

The BBC said becoming part of Countryfile was the natural new home for the show.

It axed One Man And His Dog as a regular series in 1999, which caused a stir with viewers. However, special shows have been screened on BBC2.

The current host, Matt Baker, is also the presenter of Countryfile.

In its new teatime slot viewers will be able to watch the competition, showcasing the skills and tradition of sheep dog trialling, alongside reports on the British countryside.

He said: "I am delighted that One Man And His Dog is coming to Countryfile, showcasing a lifelong love of mine to a much wider audience than in the past.

"I have no doubt these skilful dogs and their characterful handlers will captivate viewers and this unique part of British rural life will be an added joy to Sunday night television."

Bill Lyons, executive editor of Countryfile, said: "One Man and his Dog has been a much-loved part of the BBC's schedule since 1976.

"This move to a prime-time slot on Sunday evenings on BBC1 reinforces the special place the programme has in the BBC's coverage of country life."

The BBC said there will also be footage from the competition available on the BBC red button.

In 2011 Channel 4 launched coverage of the World Sheep Dog Trials.