An annual sheep fair kicked off with exhibitors competing for a number of awards.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset May Fair in Exeter is the first major pedigree sheep sale of the year, where buyers and sellers from across the UK come to see the livestock.

It started on Tuesday, May 7 with the competition show, where 135 rams and 16 individual females competed in individual and group competitions.

Graham Cubitt, chairman of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Society, said: “It is a testament to how the breed has developed that there are vendors in attendance from all across the UK.

“The quality of sheep on offer is a strong indicator that things are healthy across the sheep sector.

“One great thing about the breed competitions is that it is strong and fierce, but there’s a great social side as well.

“It’s a stressful few days but everyone enjoys being social together.”

The ram competition was won by Thomas Wright’s Poll Dorset ram Ballytaggart Boss Hog B2167, while in the female championship, David Lewis was victorious with Pembroke Athens A110.

This is the fourth time that Mr Wright has won in this category, having last won two years ago.

He said: “I have had a brilliant time and am just thrilled.”

The Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Association was founded in 1891, and claims to stand for: "the encouragement of the breeding of Dorset Horn Sheep at home and abroad and the maintenance of the purity of the breed".

For more information visit www.dorsetsheep.org.uk