SHEEP exhibitors from across Ryedale will have a chance to compete to be crowned the best in the area.

Organisers of Malton Show, the Malton Agricultural, have teamed up with Driffield, Ryedale and Thornton-le-Dale shows to start the Regional Sheep Exhibitors, which will see exhibitors collect points across the four shows before one is crowned the area’s champion.

Malton’s chief sheep steward Lizzie Jennings, 25, came up with the idea to recognise the best sheep breeders in the area and is encouraging all exhibitors to get involved. “This awards the champion of champions for this region,” she said.

“The competition is a level playing field for all exhibitors in the area, whether they exhibit hill, upland or lowland breeds.”

The winner, crowned at the last of the four shows, Thornton-le-Dale on Wednesday, August 6, will receive a shepherd’s crook trophy made by craftsman Iain Blinkworth and sponsored by Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors.

The winner will also receive vouchers and products from sponsors Carrs Billington agricultural suppliers.

Malton Show chairman Michael Cleary said that he is excited about the new award and is looking forward to the competition getting underway.

He said: “We have always known there are superb sheep breeders and exhibitors around Malton and we hope this is just another way of recognising their achievements.

“Hopefully this will provoke some healthy competition among farmers in the area.”

Exhibitors automatically qualify by attending any of the four shows and one point is awarded per exhibit at each show.

The competitor with the highest number of points at the end will be named Regional Sheep Exhibitors’ Champion for 2014.

For more information email Lizzie on lizziejennings@live.co.uk