Despite fierce competition, Judges ruled the youngsters had distinguished themselves and handled their sheep better than the opposition.

Thirteen-year-old James, of Coulters Farm, Great Habton, took the title in the 10 to 14-years-old age group while Louis, eight, triumphed in the under-nines category. And Rillington-based Louis, who also claimed a prize in the Fat Lambs section, is guaranteed to be quids in after agreeing to sell his animals to his granddad, Derek Fox, of Derek Fox Butchers, Malton.

Sarah Smith, chief steward of the sheep section, said she was very happy with the inaugural competition and hopes to build on it in coming years.

“It’s the first year we have done it and, hopefully, these youngsters will become the future of Malton Show,” she said. “It’s something that I have very much pushed to do to encourage the youth, especially with farming being in the state it is.”