Age is seemingly no barrier to sheep farming – as these talented young handlers proved at the Suffolk Show.

The two youngest entrants in the sheep competition were both four years old – and one was only three when she was entered.

Bella Pratt, whose family farms at Wantisden Hall near Bentwaters, has not even started school yet but looked assured as she joined big brother Oliver, six, in the show ring yesterday.

Mother Charlotte said: “There was no way she was going to be left out! She is very keen and was determined to join her brother in the ring.”

They were marshalled in the ring by their father Tim. Mrs Pratt added: “I’m not really a sheep expert, but they are certainly getting an interest from their dad!”

She showed that she’s learned fast after guiding Tonka into the ring for the judges.

Bella’s special day out at the Suffolk Show will certainly be something for her to tell her new friends about when she starts at primary school in September.

Also in the junior handler class was four-year Charlie Parry who lives near Hollesley and was joined in the ring by his six-year-old brother William.

And Charlie walked away with third prize in the Young Handler class for children aged between three and seven. The winner was Tom Lugsden – who must be considered a veteran at the grand old age of seven years old!

There were nine entries in the class for the youngest handlers – with intermediate and senior classes for other youngsters up to the age of 18.

For full coverage of the Suffolk Show, including galleries and video, see here