Video: Shearers make history setting world record on UK turf

A pair of young shearers have made history by smashing the eight-hour sheep-shearing world record – the first time it has been broken by two Brits in the UK.

Speedy shearers Jonny Roberts, 29, and Martin Howlett, 27, went through 1,075 ewes, beating the previous record of 1,068 ewes set by Coel L’Huillier and Kelvin Walker in New Zealand in January 2017.

The duo were under the expert guidance of world-renowned professional shearer and fellow world record holder, Matt Smith, who broke the nine-hour ewe-shearing world record back in 2016.

See also: Video: Step-by-step guide to best sheep-shearing technique

Jonny and Martin made their bold bid for glory at 7am on 24 September at Bigley Farm, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, with stormy downpours failing to dampen their progress towards a new world record.

Watch the video below.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly soon after their triumph, Wiltshire-based Martin said he felt proud to have broken the world record on home soil.

“It’s exciting to have got the record at the end of the day. I’m sure once the pain subsides it’ll all be worth it. At the start of the last run I was wondering how I was going to get to the end of the day.

“It’s a massive toll on the body, shearing ewes is very physical because they’re three quarters of your bodyweight.”

Fellow record-breaker Jonny explained that the pair have been training since January by cutting out coffee and alcohol, only eating meat and vegetables and hitting the gym three times a week.

“We’re pretty sore and in a lot of pain at the moment. It’s quite emotional after a long day’s work,” said Jonny, who’s from Devon. “The timekeepers really helped us through and the support from people shouting and cheering just gives you that extra drive.”

The team are fundraising for the cancer and cardiac care charity Stars Appeal, based at Salisbury District Hospital.