Shear Success For College Students At Great Yorkshire Show

College students Mick Handley and James Harrison, both from Lancashire, saw off competition from Askham Bryan and Newton Rigg colleges to win the North of England College Shearing Competition at the Great Yorkshire Show.

It was hot work in the blazing sunshine as they each sheared three sheep in front of the judges and a large crowd of spectators. Marks were given for technique and timing, with penalties for any lines or cuts left on the sheep at the end.

Both students were delighted with the result. Mick Handley said, “We got a full fleece off each sheep, first time. It was important to work quickly, but quality is the most crucial factor.”

Mick and James each won a medal and £50 training voucher, along with the silver shield that will be displayed at Bishop Burton College. They recently attended a shearing training course, run by the British Wool Board, at the College as part of their Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture.

Both have recently graduated and are looking forward to entering the world of work. Mick plans to work on his family farm and has a busy summer of shearing ahead, whilst James has become self-employed and will be working on various farms in the future.