The results are in for the annual Melplash Agricultural Society's flock competition are in, rewarding farmers in the area for their shepherding and flock management skills.

It is open to sheep farmers with large, medium and small flocks who keep sheep for breeding, whether commercial, pedigree or rare breed and live within 12 miles of Melplash village church.

The competition was judged by Mr Vernon Edmunds from Dorchester and the stewards were Mr Philip baker, Mr John Yeates and Mr John Norman. The judges spent around two hours on each farm inspecting the flocks and finding out from the farmer how they manage their business, looking at profitability, use of resources and what their plans are for the future.

The winners will be awarded with their cups at the Melplash Show on Thursday, August 25.

The results are:

Small flock (15-30 ewes)

Winner - Mrs Michelle Machin, Walditch, flock of Zwartbles

Second - Mrs Sharon Stagg, Crewkerne, flock of Icelandic Sheep

Medium flock (51-300 ewes)

Winner - RI Geddes & Partners, Toller Porcorum, flock of Mule x Roussin

Second - Mr and Mrs David and Ruth Wilkins, Hooke, flock of Dorset Down

Third - Mr Bruce Maltby, Kingston Russel, flock of Romney

Large flock (301 ewes and over)

Winner - W E Yeates & Son, Swyre, flock of Dorset

Second - Rampisham Manor Farms, flock of Lleyn x Aberfield

Third - Chedington Court Estate, Beaminster, flock of New Forest Clun/Dorset Horn/Poll Dorset

The winning small flock are very striking black sheep with a white blaze, first imported from the Netherlands in the early 1990s. they are known for their outstanding maternal properties as well as for their lamb and mutton.

Michelle Machin said: "The whole family is so excited about our sheep winning the small flocks competition. It has been such a great experience being part of the competition.

"I got my first Zwartbles a bit by accident in 2015 as they came as part of a deal from selling our Land Rover to a friend. We breed them mainly for meat for family and friends along with tanning their skins.

"This year's show is going to be a big day for us all. As well as being awarded the cup for winning, we are going to be showing individual sheep on the day and are busy getting them ready to show."