The Welsh International Speed Shear has donated £10,000 to local charities and causes for the second year running.

Those supported by the proceeds of this year’s event include: Builth Wells Community Support; Hear to Help; Builth Wells Cricket Club; Radnor Ladies Hockey Club; Builth Wells RFC Juniors; Builth Wells FC Juniors; Builth Scout Hut; Troedrhiwdalar YFC; Wales Air Ambulance and DPJ Foundation.

Current and past members of Troedrhiwdalar YFC recently celebrated the success of the event, inviting representatives from the chosen causes to join them.

The speed shear is hosted annually on the Sunday before the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells Livestock Market.

The event took place on July 23 and welcomed competitors from across the UK, Europe, and the southern hemisphere, with local Rhayader boy Gethin Lewis becoming the new Open class champion.

This year also introduced an international test between The Welsh International Speed Shear and Wagga Wagga Speed Shear – a chance for the very best shearers across the globe to showcase their skills on the Builth Wells stage with Wales narrowly winning the trophy.

Aled Jones, Chairman of The Welsh International Speed Shear, said: “The speed shear proved to be a huge success and all proceeds from the event were donated to local causes. As a local organisation, it’s important for us to give something back to the community – many of our committee, club members, friends and family have been supported by these causes so it’s a way of us showing our gratitude to the work they do in the local area.

“The event itself continues to attract shearers and spectators from all over the world, and it’s fantastic to see the buzz and the incredible atmosphere continues to grow each year.”