A RIBBLE Valley youngster has won a number of prestigious sheep handling awards at a historic Scottish show.

Nine-year-old Katie Aiken, from Slaidburn, was named Champion Young Handler at the 176th Royal Highland Show in Scotland with her Beltex sheep called Anastasia.

Katie, who used to attend Brennand’s Endowed Primary School in Slaidburn, also won the best female and reserve champion prizes in the Beltex category.

Mum Jennifer Aiken said she was extremely proud of her daughter, who she feels will keep winning prizes year after year.

She said: “Katie has always loved looking after our sheep and picked out Anastasia as a ewe lamb last year and took her to the show.

“The contest this year tested her on how well she presented the animal, taking the sheep into the ring and showing off her Anastasia to the best of her ability and, impressively, she was deemed to be the best.

“We are very proud of her, she did this all by herself, we really didn’t help at all. At such a young age she has done so well.

“She loves her sheep and I know that she will continue to achieve great things with them.”

Katie’s family work for Procters Farm Ltd in Slaidburn and look after about 500 sheep, with her dad being the shepherd.

The Young Handlers contestants were judged on the presentation and the turnout of both the sheep and the handler.

After winning the Young Handlers award in the nine-and-under group, Katie took on the winner of the older age group and, to top off her successful weekend, managed to beat him as well.

The Royal Highland Show is one of the UK’s premier agricultural shows, where nearly 2,000 exhibitors congregate, bringing with them over 5,000 animals.

Contests take place with sheep, goats, horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, and there are also competitions for cheese, butter, ice cream and honey.