SWALEDALE sheep have long been prized by farmers across the region for their ability to thrive anywhere - but now they are literally worth their weight in gold.

To mark the lunar Year of the Sheep, The Royal Mint has used designs of the breed, which is common on upland farms in County Durham and North Yorkshire, as the reverse side to the Queen's head for its second legal tender lunar coin.

The design, by former Yarm-based vet Wuon-Gean Ho, featuring a tree created from ancient Chinese symbols for the word sheep and two Swaledale sheep with curled horns and swirly woollen coats, will feature on a number of different coins, including a five ounce gold coin priced at £7,500.

Following strong sales of the Mint's first lunar coin a year ago, farmers in the region are hoping the new Sh?ngxiào Collection coins will boost the international profile of the breed, which is used as the Yorkshire Dales National Park symbol.

The Mint launched the series after high demand for its commemorative coins for the London Olympics, for which China was the largest market.

While the Mint would not reveal how many of the Swaledale sheep coins it expected to sell, it expects them to be in highly sought after and hopes they will woo wealthy Chinese collectors as they are "the perfect way to wish good luck for the year ahead".

Ms Ho said she had been inspired by the Northern landscape and the coin's design reflected the sensitive, loyal and creative characteristics of those born in the Year of the Sheep.

She said: "I chose Swaledale sheep for the design as they are so handsome and there is an equality as both the females and males have horns."

The breed's link with China was first established hundreds of years ago, as it is thought the root of the black-faced Swaledale could be the Argali, a wild sheep that roams the Himalayas.

Alan Alderson, chairman of the 1,100-member Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association, said he had been delighted to receive a call from the Royal Mint asking if it would be appropriate to feature the breed on the limited edition coins.

Mr Alderson said: "I thought it was great, I was proud the breed had been chosen.

"We were so pleased to be able to put Swaledale lambs on the shelves of Marks & Spencer three years ago and this will be another step forward for the breed."