THE chief sheep steward said there had been ‘record highs’ for sheep entries this year, with a new category for White Faced Dartmoors being needed.

This year saw the Devon and Cornwall Longwool Flock Association celebrate its 40th anniversary, which brought with it an increased entry to the dedicated class. 57 Devon and Cornwall Longwool entries were received, and with numbers up the competition in the classes were particularly keen in this celebratory year.

Chief sheep steward Mary Andrew from Wainhouse Corner, Bude, said: “It’s going well, we started off indoors unfortunately because of the terrible weather but it seems to be easing off. First thing it was really hammering down but the crowds are starting to congregate now!

“We have had record entries this year, and because we have record high entries it has meant we had really good classes this morning in all the breeds, which is great! There is a really high standard here today.”

Ms Andrew said she has been stewarding at the show for many years and doesn’t intend on stopping any time soon, she said: “I’ve been doing this for years, its hard work but worth it. I’ve been departmental since 2009 and, yes, I do plan to go for a little longer if I can.

“It is the competitors that make it such a special day and they are a lovely lot of people to work alongside.”

The rare breeds had their own ring but Ms Andrews said: “Quite a few actually enter a class called any other pure breed so we get to see a few over here. There are White Face Dartmoors as well this year, that’s really great as they are a local breed and even have their own class this year. The British Natives got their own classes too, which is fantastic and the Primitives and Hebrideans are also represented today — a really great mix!”

Well-known for his prize winning Charlloais and Roussin sheep Tom Nancekivell, from Kilkhampton, spoke to the Post between events.

He and his sheep are no strangers to the showground, and despite not having the most productive day rosette-wise Tom was still pleased with how things were going.

On the day Tom had brought 19 sheep with him to the show and has a flock of about 50 pedigree sheep at home, which he maintains alongside his 600 strong commercial flock, he said: “It takes a lot of work. You have to wash them, trim them and give them a haircut, just a bit of pampering really before they go out to show but that all takes time.”

Speaking about how the day had been going Tom added: “I am pleased with how today has gone, I haven’t done as well as I have in the past and have done much better at other shows this year but it is just down to the judges’ opinion on the day.

“I will definitely try again next year though and hope to have more success. I do around 15 shows per year, I just love taking part and that’s what it’s about really!”