New courses will ensure the tradition survives

For many years, every Welsh farm had at least one worker who could shear sheep - a vital job for the health of the animal, as well as providing extra income for the farmer.

But the industry's decline in recent years has seen the number of shearers plummet dramatically, forcing many farmers to call in shearing contractors from Australia and New Zealand.

Now, fearing that the traditional skill is dying out, the Wool Marketing Board and a number of agricultural colleges have joined forces to train a team of 30 shearing instructors.

They will be holding shearing courses throughout Wales this summer.

It is hoped the scheme will ensure the survival of one of the country's oldest country crafts.