THE Northern region of the National Sheep Association is staging its first North Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year Award.

The competition will be at NSA North Sheep 2009 at Laund Farm, Chipping, Preston, on Wednesday, June 3.

It is open to college students, YFC members and young people up to 26 years old in Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Each entrant will sort finished lambs for slaughter, judge breeding sheep, demonstrate handling, vaccinating, dosing techniques and shearing skills.

Sponsored by Carrs Billington Agriculture, the winner will receive £300 and the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy, presented by Kenneth and Sheila Johnson in memory of their son, a former NSA Northern Region and event committee member.

The winner will also represent the Northern Region in the NSA Shepherd of the Year finals at NSA Sheep 2010, Malvern.

John Geldard, NSA Northern region chairman, said: “While we are acutely aware of the sector’s difficulties during the last decade, we firmly believe the scenario is fast changing and holds a bright future for young people who will be required to produce food for our fast expanding global population.”

Details of the competition are available from Julie Sedgewick on 01388-664496. Application forms can be downloaded from www.northsheep.org.uk.