A new-look' Exmoor Mule is taking West Country sheep farmers by storm.

The hardy sheep, well known for their ability to thrive up on the hills, the new breeds of Exmoor Mule are being taken up by many lowland producers.

Withypool farmer Alan Collins said this week it's a trend that could help maintain the viability of many hill farms in the district that have remained loyal to the breed.

He told the County Gazette: "The Exmoor Horn is the ideal ewe for West Country hill farms and we're now seeing more lowland producers in the region recognise the qualities of the Exmoor Mule."

Alan, who runs 1300 ewes - mainly Exmoor Horns - at Worth Farm, added: "These aren't small, skinny hill sheep.

"The Exmoor Horn has improved a lot in recent years and these improvements are now being passed on to the Exmoor Mule.

"I believe the growing demand from regional prime lamb producers for a ewe bred in their own neck of the woods will increase.

"Producing a prime lamb crop instead of store lambs from "harder and wetter" land it higher altitudes is providing essential income for West Country farms that don't have the advantages of true, lowland grazings.

"Hill farms still have a vital role to play in the supply of commercial breeding ewes to the lowlands and here in the south west we've got to develop that and capitalise on the renewed popularity of the Exmoor Mule."