PUPILS from Cutcombe First School were among the 1,500 people who enjoyed an informative day out at the National Sheep Association's (NSA) 23rd annual Sheep South West event held at Wheddon Cross. Richard and Carolyne Webber, of Shearwell Data, hosted the event which featured almost 150 trade stands and more than 50 different sheep breed societies. Chairman of the South West region of the NSA, Peter Delbridge, said the event had been "superb". He said the show had given farmers the opportunity to meet, gather and exchange new ideas. "I spoke to many throughout the show who genuinely learnt a lot from the day. "I'm sure such optimism reflects the return to a more positive mood for our farmers and the industry," he said. The show was officially opened by Richard Ali, of Eblex, with special guests John Thorley of NSA, Richard Maunder of chief sponsors Lloyd Maunder and Kevin Pearce of the National Farmers' Union. The men were joined by Mr Webber to answer questions from farmers on a range of issues including single farm payments and increasing production costs. The day also featured demonstrations and competitions with winners of the 'meet the market competition' being awarded vouchers from BRP. The lamb selection competition, which was sponsored by Meat South West, gave farmers the opportunity to understand the criteria for selecting stock for market. The Keith Bleasedale Salver for the best stand at the event was judged by Peter Baber, national chairman of the NSA and Mr Delbridge and won by the Charollais Sheep Society. Pictured trying their hand at lamb selection with Steve Hamilton, left, of Eblex Better Returns Programme, Julie Harvey of Meat South West and Jon Kearns the commercial manager of Lloyd Maunder are Cutcombe First School youngsters Ossian Gainham, Catrina Gould, Cameron Barclay and Holly Abraham.