IT WAS another impressive year for sheep entries at Launceston Show, with a high standard keeping competition fierce.

Proving there is no age limit for a sheep handler, Cerys Osborne from Jacobstow was delighted to have won the young handlers’ class champion rosette.

After missing last year’s show, Lesley Perret from Bradworthy was back in full swing picking up a number of rosettes, despite high class numbers.

Ms Perret had brought along a select number of her 25 strong Devon and Cornwall longhorn Brexworthy flock and was pleased with the day’s results.

She said: “I usually do Woolsery, North Devon, Camelford, Chagford, Holsworthy and Launceston Shows but missed this one last year so it is great to be back.

“We got a first prize in the old ewe class, there were about seven or eight animals in each of the classes, which was quite a lot to go up against and makes this win quite an achievement.”

Also picking up an impressive number of rosettes this year was show regular Tom Nancekivell from Kilkhampton, with his Heatham flock.

He was pleased to have won two breed champion rosettes and two overall awards by midday. He said: “I have brought along my Charollais and Roussin sheep and have picked up five first prizes. I have also received breed champion for each, one for Charollais and one for Roussin, which is really great!

“To have been brought up to be breed champion, especially for the Charollais, is impressive because they are one of the top breeds and there was really stiff competition.”

It has been a very busy time for Tom recently. He said: “Today went really well, considering I was at another show yesterday! I have another show on Monday and will have done five in five weeks but when you pick up wins like this it makes all the hard work worthwhile!”

Just before he went off to join the ‘Grand parade’ in the main ring, Tom said: “I have been showing now for five years, and two years with my Charollais, and hope to carry on for a long time.”

Representing the best of the Beltex breed this year was Lorna Gregory of Boyton and her Bursyepark Beltex flock.

Lorna and the team brought along 12 of their Bursyepark flock on the day. She said they don’t exclusively rear one breed of sheep and also have flocks of Charollais and Suffolks, but the Beltex are their preferred breed for showing.

Speaking about the show, Lorna said: “It has been very enjoyable for us so far. We have won breed champion for our Beltex.

“We come every year and have three or four more to go, like Woolsery and North Devon Shows.”

When asked if they were pleased with how the day had gone, Lorna said: “Just winning is a big deal for us! The weather has come good now but was a bit damp this morning, but overall we have had a good day!”