Mastering sheep shearing skills through the tuition available from experienced shearers is producing young men capable of shearing up to 400 sheep a day - something that was unheard of in the days before training courses were instigated by the British Wool Marketing Board.

Colin MacGregor, the BWMB's shearing manager, says modern techniques and a big improvement in the uptake of skills by a new generation of shearers, has had a major impact on standards as well as the rate at which sheep are sheared in the UK.

The BWMB's non-profit making courses include tuition for shearers, no matter what their skill level.

"Young people who are used to handling sheep but have never sheared should be able to achieve the board's basic Blue Seal award standard after a two-day course - and for that we want them to shear three sheep in 30 minutes.

"These beginners' courses are now very popular and, instead of learning by trial and error, young people are being encouraged by their parents to master the correct techniques from the start."

The board works in conjunction with Young Farmers' Clubs and can arrange training for youngsters as young as 14 or 15 if required.

The British Wool Marketing Board's shearing courses are held throughout the UK. Full details can be obtained from Fiona McNulty at BWMB, Wool House, Bradford, or by calling 01274 688666.