COMPETITIORS will put their sheep shearing skills to the test at a fundraising event to support a young girl battling cancer.

The Jungle Speed Shear, which has been held for seven years, has raised thousands of pounds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

This year the event, at the Rose & Crown pub in Nawton, will also raise funds for the children’s cancer charity Candlelighters, which is supporting Grace Smith and her family.

Grace, known to her friends as Binky, who lives in Nawton, was diagnosed with T cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in April and is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary.

Johnathon Easton, one of the organisers of the Jungle Speed Shear, said: “The event is a sheep clipping competition where the shearer clips a lamb in the fastest time.

“We have competitors from all over the country and other competitions, including England versus Scotland, and the famous “pie, pint and clip” which consists of a team of three where one person eats a pie, one drinks a pint and one clips a sheep.

“We will also have intermediate and open shearing classes, with cash prizes to the winners and a fastest female prize too.”

Johnathon said: “Last year the fastest time was 26 seconds by a competitor from Scotland who won a cash prize.

“We hope to get about 500 people there on the night and raise about £3,000.”

The event, which takes place on Saturday from 7pm, will also include a hog roast, bar and disco. Entry is £5 per person and £15for competitors to include a singlet. Under 16s are free.

Her mum Kathy Bootham said: “Grace is doing okay at the moment and she started another block of treatment last week. “We are delighted that the Jungle Speed Shear will raise funds for Candlelighters. They are an amazing charity and have helped us so much already on our journey.”

Meanwhile, a sponsored walk at Farndale, raised more than £520 for Grace and her chosen charities.

Donna Foster, one of the organisers, said: “Money is still coming in and we would like to thank all those who took part and donated.”

A raffle “Raising for Binky” will be held at Thirsk Racecourse on Friday, September 1, which has been organised by family friend Ruth Kay. The raffle is being drawn by Jack Berry and prizes include visits to the yard and gallops of Nicky Henderson, Jonjo O Neill, Kevin Ryan, signed Book AP McCoy, vouchers from Wm McIvor & Son and a pet portrait.

Proceeds from the raffle are going towards Grace’s rehabilitation. Macmillan and Supershoes, a charity which provides Converse boots personally designed for ill children.

Tickets are £1 and available from jane.cranage@gmail.com