Meirion Evans on the way to his British shearing record. Image – British Wool.

WELSH shearer Meirion Evans has set a new British sheep shearing record of 791 ewes shorn in nine hours.

The 25 year-old shearer from Machynlleth in North Wales prepared for months for the challenge and over the weekend achieved his goal by setting the new nine-hour British ewe record.

The first sheep was shorn at 5am at Hendreseifion Farm and the last sheep at 5pm and the record total was achieved with five run tallies of 180, 155, 151, 158 and 147.

At the end of his successful record attempt, Meirion said it was difficult to put how he felt into words, but he acknowledged his support team.

“Although it was me shearing, the entire record’s success is down to a huge team effort.”

“This record would not have been possible without the help, support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually,” he said.

Meirion Evans’ tally board. Image – British Wool

“From the family at Hendreseifion for hosting the record, the pen men that were there with me all day, the farmers for supplying their sheep, the wool wrappers, those supporting me with my gear and all my family and friends – without all of you, today would not have been possible.”

British Wool’s head of member engagement Gareth Jones said offered huge congratulations to Meirion for his successful record attempt.

“This was a display of high quality shearing and Meirion should be very proud of his achievements.

“We appreciate the hard work that also goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Meirion in successfully setting a new British shearing record,” Mr Jones said.