THE best fleece in England – and reserve champion across the whole of the UK – is from the Wellshead Estate at Exford.

The Golden Fleece competition, held annually by the British Wool Market Board, aims to find the best fleeces in the UK in either the carpet type or fine wool categories.

Farm manager Ricky Atkins’ Exmoor Horn fleece, weighing in at just over 3kg, scored almost perfect marks.

He was presented with awards for producing the best fleece in England and for reserve champion against competition from across the whole of the UK.

In the light of increased interest in wool, and especially with the support of the Prince of Wales as patron of the Campaign for Wool, producers have found new pride in their fleeces.

Sheep farmers were able to enter the competition via any wool depot, and the champion fleeces from 12 regional agricultural shows were automatically entered.

So considering that the annual clip is 30 million kilos from 45,000 producers, Ricky’s achievement is outstanding.

The Wellshead flock, for which Ricky is responsible, consists of 300 breeding ewes living out all year except for lambing indoors at night.

He also manages around 200 pedigree Devon Ruby Red cattle.

Henry Rawson, owner of Wellshead, said: “I am a strong supporter of these local breeds which are well-suited to conditions in our area.

“This award is a tribute to Ricky’s good judgement and hard work”.

Pictured from the left are senior grader at the South Molton wool depot Brian Boundy, Ricky and wool marketing manager Stephen Spencer, from Bradford.