THEY are an ingenious bunch in Masham. It looked like the village Sheep Fair, famous for miles around, would go the same way as many agricultural shows due to the foot and mouth outbreak.

Instead, organisers have turned this misfortune into a unique attraction: come to the fair, and bring your own sheep. Villagers have been invited to fashion woolly creatures from whatever materials come to hand. The sham sheep that attracts the most money for farmers' charities will be declared the winner.

The victor could celebrate with a pint or two - of Masham's Black Sheep beer, naturally.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, May 03, 2001