BOVEY Tracey has its own world champion in the shape of farmer Hilary Bond.

Like her famous fictional namesake she was licensed to make a killing at the world shearing and wool handling championships in Ireland.

Ms Bond, who lives and works at 300-acre Pullabrook Farm between Bovey Tracey and Lustleigh, beat the world's best to take the crown for the globe's best wool handler.

It is the first time a British competitor has wrested the title – at her sixth attempt – from the all-conquering Australians and New Zealanders.