Suffolk sheep producers have rallied to the aid of Australians whose lives have been turned upside down by recent catastrophic bushfires.

Chris Reeks and wife Joanna, who owns La Hogue farm Shop & Cafe at Chippenham, near Newmarket, offered a pair of lambs at Stanfords livestock market on Tuesday (January 7), with proceeds going to the bushfire fund.

They were snapped up for £100 each by auctioneer Graham Ellis, who said he was happy to help the cause. The meat will go into his freezer and will be shared out among staff.

"The situation in Australia at the moment is beyond all comprehension and has so far devastated an area the size of Belgium," explained Chris.

MORE - Mid Suffolk bird flu outbreak ban lifted"I spoke with my cousin who is a professional fire fighter based in Sydney, and he together with thousands of his colleagues have fought relentlessly against the fires going long periods of time without sleep.

"People have lost their lives, and many others have lost everything they own in the world in a split second. By offering the sheep for sale tomorrow is a drop in the ocean, but I felt I had to contribute in some way and show our solidarity with our Australian cousins."

"I was pleased to help," said Graham. "It's quite a staggering situation they are all in really."