A popular sheep-shearing competition has been scrapped at the Kent County Show, partly due to visitors concerns about the animals' welfare.

Show organisers say they must pull the Romney Shears event - held at the show for the past six years - primarily for financial reasons, but admit that past visitors have raised concerns about sheep being nicked by clippers during the shearing.

The decision has been greeted with disbelief by farmers who have described it as “appalling” and “ridiculous”.

Sissinghurst farmer and vet Hugh Skinner is determined the contest will go ahead and intends to host it at his farm.

He said: “I just think it is another example of the public being separated from what goes on in the countryside.

“Having just been to the Paris Show, they make every effort to bring the countryside to the people. It is the nanny state again.”

KM weatherman and sheep breeder Lester Gosbee said: “It is a great shame as it shows people how quickly sheep are shorn. They do get the odd nick, but never enough to need stitches.”

The event is exclusively for the breed of sheep which has been linked for centuries to Romney Marsh.

The Kent County Agricultural Society said the Romney Shears cost about £15,000 to stage. The decision to scrap it had been made mainly for cost-cutting reasons and to give more room to trade stands.

Farm staff and students from Hadlow College will be demonstrating shearing throughout the three-day Kent County Show, but not in contest conditions

It added: “The welfare of the animals is a major concern and, although there have been concerns raised, this was not the primary reason for the competition not appearing.”

David Goff, general manager at the Kent Showground, added: “Each year we have several complaints. Unfortunately it is a fact of life that when sheep are being sheared they get nicked. ”

Mr Skinner, who has a flock of pedigree Romneys, expects 1,200 sheep at Aragon Farm, in Biddenden Road, on Sunday, July 13, and will also have other family attractions, such as a hog and sheep roast, the chance to see lambs, and sheep’s milk cheese and yoghurt, wool from his sheep for sale.