More than 8,000 farmers - some from abroad - are expected to attend the North Sheep 2007 gathering, in Weardale, later this week.

But on Saturday, the 22nd Eastgate Spring Sheep Show, in Weardale, provided a welcome boost for British breeders.

"There's no doubt our attendance has shot up this year because of visitors arriving early in the dale for the big event on Wednesday," said Eastgate show secretary Paul Collinson.

"It's made our show just that little bit special."

North Sheep 2007, organised by the Northern region of the National Sheep Association, is being held at North Hanging Wells farm, Eastgate.

There were 75 entries at the Eastgate show, with the standard of Texel being described as exceptional by the judges.

Exceptional, too, were the Swaledales shown by Colin and Ann Martin, from Stanhope. They won all four classes in the breed category, scooping the prize for overall champion with a Swaledale gimmer hogg.

The reserve champion was a Blue-faced Leicester gimmer hogg, shown by Nicholas Peart, who farms at Frosterley.

Class winners: Blue-faced Leicesters - Nicholas Peart, Frosterley; reserve champion, Oliver Scowan, Wolsingham. Mule sheep - Martin Brown, Thirsk; reserve, Michael and Barbara Coulthard, Westgate. Swaledale classes - Colin and Ann Martin, Stanhope. Texels - Trevor Walton, Willington.