THERE was a full house for the bi-annual charity speed sheep shear at Clannaborough Common in Throwleigh on Sunday.

The event saw two levels of competition, an intermediate class and an open shearing class, also known as the ‘gun’ class. In the intermediate competition competitors sheared a single sheep in the early rounds, while the finalists had to shear two sheep.

In the ‘guns’ class, each competitor in the quarter and semi-finals sheared two sheep before finalists had to shear three sheep as quickly as possible.

Ian Heard was the winner of the intermediate class with a time of two minutes and seven seconds in the two sheep final, while in the ‘guns’ class former world champion and world record holder Matt Smith of New Zealand won the three sheep final with a time of one minute and 31 seconds.

Organiser Steve Alford said: ‘The standard of competition was very high and we had judges from the British Wool Board to ensure the shearing was of a high standard.

‘We also had the British Wool Board judges to help ensure the welfare of the animals which is the most important thing at the end of the day.

‘We shear the sheep for their own welfare so they have got to be sheared. If we c\an raise a bit of money for charity at the same time, all the better.’

The event was held to raise money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and for defibrillators in Throwleigh, South Zeal and South Tawton.

While the final count has yet to be completed it is thought the event has raised around £7,000.

Steve Alford expressed thanks to the sponsors, the competitors that took part and everyone who attended the event.