Budding sheep shearers are being offered training in the hope of creating new job opportunities.

The British Wool Marketing Board has announced that places are still available for its two day course where both experienced and novice shearers can try their hand at every aspect of the technique.

Colin MacGregor, the British Wool Marketing Board’s shearing manager, said: "As well as teaching newcomers how to shear – and helping experienced shearers to do the job even better - the shearing courses also provide skills and qualifications that can generate new employment opportunities."