WEST Devon sheep shearers claimed many top places at the third annual Devon County Show lamb shearing event, held at Newton Poppleford recently.
Gaining top honours on the day was Martin Cole, of Yelverton, who won the Young Farmers? Club novice under 21 championship prize, with many other contestants from the borough taking top five placings.
Ollie Allen, Devon County Show secretary, said: ?It was a terrific competition which saw a very high standard of skill and was thoroughly enjoyed by all those involved.
?The show recognises the essential role of shearers in farming life and by staging this competition, we give shearers the opportunity to meet, share their experience and test their skills.?
The event was held at Ashtree Farm, on the Clinton Devon Estates.
Lord Clinton said: ?The competitions over the past few years have proved to be a great success and we are only too delighted to host this event.?
In the young farmers? championship class, Andrew Mudge, of Tavistock, came third. Andrew also came fourth in the weavers, fullers and shearmen senior championship and second in the blades shearing.
Chris Ruby, of Beaworthy, came fourth in the young farmers? championship and fourth in the intermediate championships.
George Mudge, of Tavistock, came third in the blades shearing event and Philip Medland, also of Tavistock, came fourth in the YFC novice under 21 championship.