The sheep shearing section at this year’s Royal Cornwall Show will feature a new competitive class exclusively for women shearers.

Competitive sheep shearing classes and demonstrations are held across all three show days and draw large crowds. Competitors are drawn from around the world and include top professional shearers from Australia and New Zealand, as well as home grown champions, with the aim of winning a coveted Royal Cornwall title.

More than 120,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the show, which is Cornwall’s largest event, and runs from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 June at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge.

One budding competitor, 19-year-old Jo Sandercock from Altarnun near Launceston, has been shearing for four years and is really looking forward to taking on the challenge.

She said: “I think many girls are worried about competing in what is a male dominated world and don’t feel confident to take part. So a female only competition will give them more confidence and the opportunity to give it a go and get involved.

“A couple of women already compete against the men in the past, so they will no doubt take part in this new class as well.”

When asked how she hoped she’d get on in June, Jo said: “a win is always a bonus”!

Christopher Riddle, show secretary, said: “This will be the first time an all-female shearing class will feature at the Show and it will provide the perfect opportunity for the many good lady shearers out there to get involved and showcase their skills.”

The new shearing class has been sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen.