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Lakeland Shears - International sheep shearing championships

Lakeland Shears.

On Saturday 9th July 2005 top shearers from across the world competed at the Lakeland Shears event held at Cockermouth auction mart.

Now in its third year, the annual event was as exciting and interesting as ever. UK shearers competed against shearers that travelled from as far away as New Zealand, Australia and the Falkland Islands, all keen to demonstrate their skill and speed.

Over a thousand of Cumbria’s native Herdwick sheep were gathered ready for the shearing that started at eight in the morning, and continued throughout the day.

The shearing competition created a very competitive atmosphere, with everyone getting behind their favourite shearers leading to the final.

Winners in the junior and intermediate classes were offered a travelling fellowship to a shearing school in New Zealand.

Lakeland Shears was started with help from Rural Futures and grant aided through Leader Plus. The aim is to promote Cumbria’s native Herdwick breed whose numbers have declined in the past few years. “Regenerating interest in this unique breed helps to secure its future and its place on the high fells of Cumbria.” said Bob Shaw, coordinator for Rural Futures, “Saturday should raise awareness of what this native breed has to offer, there will even be trade stands displaying top quality carpets made from Herdwick wool.”

Lakeland Shears.

Lakeland Shears.

Lakeland Shears.

Lakeland Shears.

Lakeland Shears.

Lakeland Shears.