A SHEEP breeders group is hoping to attract a flock of members in an attempt to safeguard the future of one of County Durham's oldest and rarest breeds.
The Teeswater Sheep Breeders Association wants to boost numbers of both the breeders and the sheep, especially in its native Teesdale, where it was first recorded, in 1767.
With only a handful of owners and breeders left in the dale, the Teeswater sheep is more likely to be found in North Yorkshire and parts of Lancashire today.
Secretary of the association Rita Braithwaite said she estimated there to be as few as 15 Teeswater sheep in Teesdale.
The Teeswater is considered by the rare breeds register as "vulnerable", and members of the association say that, unless breeding is increased, the sheep could soon become rare.
To find out more about the Teeswater Sheep Breeders Association, contact Mrs Braithwaite on (01833) 650032, or by e-mail at wodencroftched an
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