RESTRICTIONS on the movement of livestock did not dampen the spirits of those entering their own unique breeds of sheep in this year's Masham Sheep Fair.

Determined that the event would not be cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth crisis, locals decided to use the fair to bring the community together for some light relief.

So, instead of pens containing the usual woolly animals, they were filled with sheep created from all manner of junk, including wood and cardboard.

The "best of breed" was decided by members of the public, who voted by leaving donations in the buckets in the pens, with the sheep raising the most cash being show champion.

The winner was Riggwelted, named after a beer made by Black Sheep Brewery, made by Anita Pease, who took away £500 donated by Masham brewery Theakston's and presented by Countdown's Richard Whitely. The runner-up was Felicity Scarth's creation.

Best business sheep was made by Black Sheep Brewery, best group sheep was from the Morris Minors Club, with Masham School juniors taking the school prize and Acorn Playgroup from Masham winning the playschool category.

Other events in the programme included virtual reality sheep dog trials, terrier racing, produce displays, handbell ringing and morris dancing.

A total of £6,000 was raised at the two-day event - about the same as last year.

Mark Cunliffe-Lister, one of the organisers, said: "It was a huge success.

"A huge amount of effort went into the sheep and, under the circumstances, we're thrilled."

The money will go to projects aimed at easing the impact of the foot-and-mouth crisis.