VISITORS to a unique sheep shearing contest will be treated to an array of country pursuits from ferret racing to Morris dancing.

The Romney Shears competition, backed by the Kent Messenger, was dropped by the Kent County Show this year due to running costs and ill-founded concerns about the sheep.

Determined it should not be abandoned, Romney sheep breeder and vet Hugh Skinner offered to stage the event at his Aragon Farm, Biddenden Road, Sissinghurst, on Sunday, July 13 starting at noon.

There will be more than 1,000 sheep at the contest, ferret racing, sheep dog demonstration, local produce and craft shows, vintage tractors and farming memorabilia, the Loose Women Morris dancers, hand spinning demonstrations and a static own display.

Entry to the event, entitled Romney Shears International Sheep Shearing Competition and Kentish Ales, is £3 for adults and £2 for children, under sixes are free. No dogs will be allowed.