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Soldiers cutting it down on farm
A Corby soldier came to the rescue to help castrate more than 5,000 sheep in the Falkland Islands.
Cpl Adam Bowie, 27, who is part of a seven-man Highlanders team who are currently posted to the islands, stepped in to help a farmer after one worker was killed in a motorcycle crash and another was injured in a separate accident.
The soldiers were given a quick lesson from the farmer before spending a week castrating, worming and tagging 5,500 sheep, animals which are vital to the economy of the island.
He said: "We got six more guys and the farmer was very grateful. It would have taken him a long time if we hadn't been there. The guys were happy to help out."
The island has more than half a million sheep and only 3,000 residents, and the wool industry is their main source of income.
Most of the wool from the sheep the soldiers helped castrate will be sold to the UK and used to make uniforms.
Maj Jonas Fieldhouse, the officer in charge of the company, said: "We go out and help the local population. "We have been castrating and sheering sheep.
"We make sure the people know we are still interested in them and help out where they need it.
"The public love us to be here. The guys go out and about and they have had a very good reception.
"They have been given lots of gifts and even had cakes baked for them."
Team member Jamie Lyons, 20, from Thurso, added: "It was something I didn't expect to be doing out here but I enjoyed the experience.
"It was hard work lifting the lambs. Some were a bit jumpy and nervous."
The team will be spending Christmas and New Year in the Falklands before returning to their base in Germany in January.
The British Army has had a small team of about 500 British soldiers on the Falkland Islands based at Mount Pleasant since 1984.
The soldiers are often called upon to help the residents with a range of jobs. It is expected Prince William will be sent to the islands over the next 12 months as part of his military training.
The base in the Falkland Islands is also home to members of the Navy and Royal Air Force.
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Weather for Kettering
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
