LAURIE Raine, who became known as the North's leading expert on Swaledale sheep, has died at the age of 83.

He won titles so regularly at shows that he lost count of the scores of trophies he took home to the Coach and Horses Farm near Bowes, County Durham.

He was awarded 34 cups outright through winning them in successive years at major agricultural events across the North.

With sons Albert and Neville, he was a nine-times winner of the region's major breed prize, the Bowes Challenge Trophy for shearling rams. He won it twice outright before retiring.

His son Neville said: "He loved sheep and sheep shows. He went regularly to dozens all over the North, and I don't think there was one at which he didn't win the championship.

"He knew everything there was to know about Swaledales, and was acknowledged everywhere as the top expert."

He won the championship at the Great Yorkshire show four times. One of his triumphs came when he won titles on the same day at three shows, in Wolsingham, Alston and Hesket Newmarket.

Mr Raine, a jovial character, was also a regular judge at sheep events, and twice at the Royal Show. A number of his sheep sold for more than £20,000 each at auction.

He was still doing odd jobs around the farm until a few days ago. His wife, Rosamond, ran a roadside cafe at the farm for many years, but it was closed some weeks ago as she was unwell. The couple celebrated their diamond wedding last year.

Mr Raine's two sons and two grandsons, Philip and Peter, say they have all inherited his love of sheep and may start showing them again in future.

A floral tribute in the shape of a sheep's head has been ordered for the funeral service at Bowes Parish Church, next Wednesday, at 1pm.