When I was invited to review a new independent film about a tenant sheep farming family I must admit I didn't know what to expect.

Addicted to Sheep follows the story of the Hutchinson family, who were filmed by French filmmaker, Magali Pettier, over a year, on their farm in Upper Teesdale.

The 85-minute documentary dragged me in from the very start with a raw and down-to-earth insight into the tough but enjoyable work of Tom, Kay and their three children Jack, Esme and Hetty.

Fellow co-producer Jan Cawood also helped maked sure it was playful from the start showing the children trying to help their parents with choirs and capturing the beauty of the landscape.

Unknowingly, I was becoming addicted myself as you felt like you were getting stuck into the difficult tasks associated with keeping their prized Swaledale sheep and trying to make ends meet.

One of the most poignant scenes was watching Mrs Hutchinson give a lambing yow a helping hand – quite literally - but the ‘gore’ of nature is just the daily life of the Hutchinson’s who then headed home for a bit of breakfast before starting their day.

But it was the sense of humour running throughout that had the audience in stitches and this often involved Mr Hutchinson’s comedy-gold remarks about how a sheep’s ultimate aim in life is to die, while interviews with the children’s classmates gave a hilarious insight into this close-knit and friendly community.

I’d say this is just the beginning for this gem of a documentary – prepare to become addicted!