A BORDERS sheep shearer has smashed a world record set earlier this year.

Una Cameron, of St Boswells, sheared a staggering 517 ewes across the nine-hour challenge in Cornwall to beat the target by 59.

The solo women’s record had been set by Kiwi Sacha Bond in Southland, New Zealand, in February.

"I had a wonderful team behind me and they believed that I could do it,” said the 51-year-old, who attended Borders College in the late 1980s. “I was focused on passing the 458 mark, but always wanted to shear 500. I can't thank everyone enough, especially Matt and Pip Smith, who hosted the event on Trefranck Farm.”

Gareth Jones, head of member engagement at British Wool, said: “On behalf of British Wool we offer huge congratulations to Una on her successful record attempt. This was a display of high quality shearing and Una should be very proud of her achievements.

“We appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Una in successfully setting a new world shearing record.”

Last month Una revealed that she had been taking ice baths and following a food and fitness programme ahead of the record bid.

The Borderer is the only woman to qualify in the top 30 at the coveted Golden Shears in Masterton, New Zealand.

She has been a professional shearer on the circuit for almost three decades, working across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.