Two new records set for British shearing by champion pair

Two new British shearing records have been set.

Champion shearers Nick Greaves and Llyr Jones beat the nine-hour British lamb shearing record by shearing 1,717 lambs.

The previous record, which was set by Gareth Daniels and Ian Jones in 2016, was 1,457 lambs.

There was also a new individual British record where Nick beat the nine-hour single stand record by shearing an individual tally of 881 compared to the previous record of 872 lambs held by Stuart Connor.

The men began shearing at 5am for two hours, followed by four one-hour 45 minute runs with the challenge ending at 5pm.

It was held at Nick’s home farm in Staffordshire where they were surrounded by family and friends, as well as sheep farmers and shearers from all over the United Kingdom.

Speaking afterwards, a triumphant Nick said: “Both Llyr and I are delighted, this has always been a long-time ambition for the two of us.

“It has not been easy getting here, but all the hard work and preparation has paid off.”

For a chance at success Nick and Llyr had to be at the top of their game.

Llyr explained how the pair had put in the hard work to be ready for the record attempt.

He said: “We have been preparing for the challenge since last summer, following a very strict fitness regime, which then dovetailed with our shearing schedule across the Midlands.”

Gareth Jones of British Wool praised the shearers’ efforts and said the challenge would help to raise the profile and importance of shearing as a skill that is of vital importance to the sheep industry.

Nick Greaves and Llyr Jones shearing.