A Suffolk charity shoot which attracted a record 140 competitors from across the UK poultry industry has raised more than £7,000 for the Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire.

East Anglian Daily Times: The winning team from Padleys being presented with the trophy by John Bidwel, centre. The team members from left are John Beevor, Richard Padley, James Padley and Toby Tibbenham Picture: GRAHAM DOWNThe winning team from Padleys being presented with the trophy by John Bidwel, centre. The team members from left are John Beevor, Richard Padley, James Padley and Toby Tibbenham Picture: GRAHAM DOWN (Image: Graham Down)

A total of 35 teams took part in the all-day Cobb Charity Shoot, now in its eighth year, at the High Lodge shooting range at Darsham, Yoxford.

“The event goes from strength to strength and we are really pleased that so many people from all sectors of the poultry industry were able to join us for such an enjoyable and worthwhile day,” said Cobb Europe director of quality assurance John Vincent.

“The event has become an annual fixture in the industry calendar and our challenge is always to make it even better next time.”

James Padley, field manager of winning team G W Padley Poultry, said the company was delighted to support the shoot again this year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Top individual shot Eric Chapman receiving the award from John Bidwell of High Lodge shooting range Picture: GRAHAM DOWNTop individual shot Eric Chapman receiving the award from John Bidwell of High Lodge shooting range Picture: GRAHAM DOWN (Image: Graham Down)

“The event seems to grow each year; but thankfully owing to lots of hard work by the team at Cobb Europe and the first class venue, the whole day flowed incredibly well, with us all enjoying excellent hospitality too.

“Our team ‘Who said pull?’ was genuinely surprised to lift the winning trophy, but really thrilled to have seen off some stiff competition on the day. We’ll certainly enjoy defending the title next year.”

Joining him in the winning team were Richard Padley, Tom Beevor and Toby Tibbenham who together scored 351 out of 400 in the four-man, 100-bird team flushes. Second was the team from Chapman’s and Avara Foods was third.

The individual winner was Eric Chapman who scored 78 in the 84-bird sporting layout. Runners-up with 76 were Dave Grayson and Stephen Wilkinson.

A new trophy was introduced this year in memory of Steve Graham, Cobb health and safety and transport manager, who died earlier this year. It was won by the team from C E Davidson, which was also the principal sponsor of the 2018 event.

If you would like to be involved in the event next year, email tom.procter@cobb-europe.com.