TOP sheep shearers Matt Rowlands and James Lewis are gearing up for a mammoth sheep shearing endeavour.

The pair are coming together to take on the task of shearing 3, 000 Romney lambs at Hall End Farm in Much Marcle in one 24 hour period.

Matt, from Holme Lacey and James from Newent are both experienced sheep  shearers and have both completed “tours of duty” shearing sheep in New Zealand.

The shearing event takes place at Hall End Farm on Saturday August  24 - Sunday August 25.

The shearing starts at 8am on the Saturday and finishes at 4pm on the Sunday. There will be live music and a raffle on Saturday as well.

They are doing the challenge to raise money for two Herefordshire charities, - We Are Farming Minds and St Michael’s Hospice, Hereford.

We Are Farming Minds is a registered charity, set up to help raise mental health awareness in the rural communities of Herefordshire and support the wellbeing of farmers across the land.

It was set up by Sam Stables who is a friend of Matt.

James’ grandmother was in St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford two years ago which is why he wanted to raise money for the hospice.

Both Matt and James have been training hard for the shearing event and they would like as much support over the weekend as possible.

The pair have even been abstaining from beer as they get into great shape to shear the sheep.

James said: “I’m really looking forward to the event and having a beer afterwards.”

For more information visit: wearefarmingminds.co.uk and for more on St Michaels visit: st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/