FARMER Ann Orr-Ewing was thrilled when one of her pedigree heifers won first prize at The Royal Bath and West of England Show.

Foxacre Treize, a 14-month-old maiden heifer, beat seven other entrants in her class at the show.

Mrs Orr-Ewing, who runs Fox Mill Farm in Purton with her husband Hamish, said: "Breeding cattle is extremely hard work, so it is lovely to win. It makes all the hours you put in worthwhile."

The Charolais heifer, a French breed, acquired her name because she was born on March 13 French for 13 is treize.

Mrs Orr-Ewing added: "This is a fantastic start to the show season. We are now looking forward to The Three Counties and The Royal Show later this month."

This is not the couple's first success at agricultural shows.

Last year their Charolais bull, Foxacre Spartacus, clinched first prize in his class, and went on to become champion in the breed, at the Newbury Show.

Mrs Orr-Ewing said: "We have been breeding pedigree cattle for 12 years now. It was intended to be something for retirement. But it is a 25-hour-a-day job."