EXMOOR celebrated an activity at the heart of its rural heritage with an inaugural sheep shearing contest last Sunday.

Shear Exmoor, based around the Rest and Be Thankful Pub at Wheddon Cross, attracted around 30 shearers, with competitors from Japan, Poland and Scotland among the ranks.

More than 200 people flocked to the event, which organisers hope will become a regular date in the diary.

Early morning rain and mist forced a switch of venue from the village's playing field to the sheds at Putham Farm, courtesy of local company Shearwell Data.

Young farmers were the first to have their talents put to the test but the seven classes also offered opportunities for women and veterans to shine.

Other attractions included face painting and entertainment by West Somerset children's charity CLOWNS, a display by the Exmoor Horn Society and an exhibition tracing shearing through the ages, from blade and wheel to motorised cutting equipment.

An evening barbecue and live music from local band Rough Justice provided a fitting finale to the day.

Caroline Norman, one of the organisers, said the event had been a great success: "It was a great example of what Exmoor has to offer," she said.

"Shearing is a very important and skilful job and Exmoor has an abundance of talented shearers.

"Visitors and locals alike commented how nice it was to see a competition like this."

The event received financial aid from Exmoor National Park's Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund to help cover its costs - support that will continue for the next two years.

But it also raised money for Cutcombe Young Farmers Club and CLOWNS.

Ms Norman said she wanted to thank all the companies and sponsors for their donations and support, as well as all those who had helped with the event.

"The day would not have been possible without the help and support of all those involved," she said.

Results

(In 1,2,3 order)

Young Farmers Club juniors - Adam Hill, Nick Matravers, Daniel Matravers; YFC seniors - Ross Crang, Alex Brand, Andrew Cowling; ladies - Tania Govier; veterans - Martin Atkins, Gerald Matravers, Robert Takle; intermediate - Rob Branfield, Michael Ziarko, Will Ellicott; open - Ross Crang, Dave Takle, Gavin Stevens.

The team class, a joint effort by three shearers - one turning and wheel powering the cutters, one shearing and the third drinking a pint of ale - was won by Exmoor's Finest.