A TAMAR Valley man is to Captain his country following his success at the English National Sheepdog trial at Berwick upon Tweed.

Frank Richards, 30, of Castlewich Farm, Callington, got first place with his six-year-old border collie Lola on the second day and then won the run-off to become English Team Captain. He will now be in action in that role for an England, Scotland and Wales international in York in September. Frank also now qualifies for the World Trial 2023 which is being held in Northern Ireland next year.

Frank had his first sheepdog at the age of 11 and began keeping sheep at the age of 13, but his current success did not come easily with the covid epidemic disrupting sheepdog trials and forcing him to take a year out.