DEMONSTRATIONS of sheep shearing are being given at a North-East visitor attraction.

Gary Tyers has been showing how to give professional animal haircuts at Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, in County Durham.

The 48-year-old has been shearing for over 25 years and having spent time shearing in New Zealand he has the ability to shear 200-300 sheep a day.

Ann Darlington, the farm’s tourism manager, said: “This is a popular event here at Hall Hill Farm.

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

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

The farm recently streamed the lambing process into peoples homes where via PCs and laptops viewers could watch live births with the many new arrivals during this year’s lambing season.

Visitors can bottle feed lambs, see fluffy chicks, inquisitive goats, magnificent Highland Cattle and get close to children’s favourites such as guinea pigs and rabbits, as well as enjoy a tractor or donkeyride around the countryside.