A RIPON sheep producer demonstrated winning lamb selection skills when he won a competition held at Masham Mart by the Better Returns Programme (BRP).

Producers were invited to test their skills by relating a pen of live sheep to final carcase conformation.

Paul Fairburn, who farms at Thornton Steward, achieved the closest match and won a bottle of whisky.

"Local sheep producers showed a lot of interest in the BRP and many signed up to learn more about the free BRP events," said David Eden of the MLC's authentication services, which is providing technical assistance to BRP.

The BRP is a two-year programme to help sheep producers brush up their selection and breeding skills.

English producers can register for BRP events directly at www.eblexbetterreturns.org.uk or tel 0870 241 8829.