SHEEP will be given a helping hand to shed their fleeces when the English Shearer of the Year qualified is held at the show on Sunday, July 18.

Competitors at the qualifier must have competed in at least six of the eight competitions held around the country, in order to attend the finals at Sheep 2004.

Come 600 Romney sheep will be shorn under the watchful eyes of judges and timekeepers in four classes -- junior, intermediate, senior and open.

Hadlow College students will also be at the show on the Friday and Saturday to give demonstrations to visitors of the art to removing a sheep's fleece.