VISITORS are expected to flock to a farm attraction this weekend to watch a sheep shearer showing off his skills.

Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, will host demonstrations by master shearer Gary Tyers throughout the Bank Holiday.

They will start at noon on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Mr Tyers has been shearing for more than 30 years and having spent time shearing in New Zealand he can shear 200-300 sheep a day.

As domestic sheep do not naturally shed their winter coats, they need to be shorn efficiently and quickly to prevent them overheating in the summer.

Ann Darlington, tourism manager at Hall Hill Farm, said: “We first opened the farm gates for visitors to see our lambs nearly 40 years ago and they continue to play a very important role for us as demonstrated by the popularity of our recent Lambing love event and ‘lamb-cam’.

“Sheep shearing has been an important part of the UK sheep industry for thousands of years and is also one of the most entertaining traditional farm skills.

"It is an important part of the visitor experience here at Hall Hill Farm to inform and educate people about the animals, as well as providing an excellent family day out.”

The 290 hectare Hall Hill Farm, which employs up to 50 people, and last year welcomed over 80,000 visitors. This year sledging and climbing have been added to the outdoor activities on offer.

It is open every day until the end of September.

For details visit hallhillfarm.co.uk