RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak has praised the dedication and professionalism of Northern sheep farmers after visiting Moorcock Show.
The 101st show, held at Mossdale between Hawes and Sedbergh is one of the highlights of the northern sheep farmers's year and attracted top breeders from Yorkshire, Cumbria and County Durham.
Mr Sunak, who was this year's show president, spent the day at the sheep farmers' showcase.
He said: "I was hugely impressed by the evident pride, skill and dedication of farmers who rear their stock in some of the most difficult areas.
"The standard of the entries was very high. It is clear that if you are serious about sheep Moorcock is the show you can't afford to miss."
Mr Sunak attended the judges' lunch held at the nearby Moorcock Inn where he was presented with the president's crook, a fine dressed stick, by show chairman John Bland before heading for the showfield.
There he was introduced to art of judging by the show's judge referee Tony Collinson who helped him order the five Swaledale sheep for the public judging class.
After touring the pens whle judging took place, visiting the numerous craft stalls and drawing raffle, Mr Sunak presented the cups, trophies and certificates.
They included the show's supreme championship awarded to a Blue-faced Leicester owned by JC and E Pedley and Sons.