A Rhayader farmer made headlines last weekend after setting new British shearing records alongside fellow Welshman Llyr Evans from Aberystwyth.

Gethin Lewis, from Cwmdauddwr near Rhayader, and Llyr teamed up on Saturday to break the 8-Hour Two-stand British Ewe Shearing Record, shearing a combined total of 1,364 ewes. This surpassed the previous record of 1,075 ewes set in 2019 by Martin Howlett and Jonny Roberts.

In addition to the team record, Gethin also set a new British Individual record by shearing 696 ewes solo in 8 hours - beating the previous solo record of 663 sheared by Huw Jones just a week earlier. Llyr also exceeded the solo record with 668 ewes shorn.

Shearing began at 7am at Gethin’s family farm and finished at 5pm, enduring the hottest day recorded in Wales this year.

Speaking after their achievement, Gethin said: “I’m delighted that our attempt was successful. It's been a 12-month journey preparing for today, but all the hard work has been worth it.”

Llyr added: “All roads led to today, and I'm proud of what we have both achieved - it feels great to be a British Shearing Record Holder.”

The extreme heat made the challenge even tougher, Llyr noted: “The extreme heat made the challenge more difficult and at times during the day it was extremely difficult and we both needed to dig deep to get through to the end.”

Both men were keen to thank everyone who supported their attempt. On behalf of them both, Gethin said: “This record would not have been possible without the help and support of both our families. Thank you, it means so much to us both that we have achieved what we have here today. We’d also like to pay tribute to the support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually. From the farmers supplying the sheep, pen men that were here with us all day, the wool wrappers, and all our family and friends – a huge thank you.”

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement at British Wool, said: "On behalf of British Wool, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gethin and Llyr on their incredible achievement. Setting a Shearing Record requires not only personal dedication and skill but also the collective effort of a strong support team.”

“We commend everyone involved in making this success possible,” he added.

The Welsh Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research were the nominated charities, with fundraising taking place during the day.

Llyr chose to support Brain Tumour Research due to his personal experience with the charity following a diagnosis in 2017. Meanwhile, Gethin’s family has a close connection to Wales Air Ambulance after his father, Rob Lewis, was seriously injured in a farming accident and airlifted to Cardiff Hospital in just 24 minutes.

The fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gethllyrbritishrecordattempt has already raised over £1,500, more than tripling the original target of £500.