A BREEDER of Hebridian sheep has been given a top job at a trust which promotes rare breed animals.

Tony Chambers, 57, of Warleigh, near Bradford on Avon, has been elected to the council of the Rare Breed Survival Trust.

He hopes to use his post to encourage more people to keep rare breed animals, such as sheep, pigs, cattle and goats.

Many people keep a few animals as a hobby but Mr Chambers believes the commercial side

of rare breed farming is also important.

"In order to save rare breeds you have to eat them," he said.

Chairman of the trust, Lawrence Alderson, said: "Tony has wide business experience and I welcome him to the council."